The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro has summoned diplomat Aleksandar Obradović for consultations following earlier public appearances in which he openly promoted pro-Russian positions. The move was confirmed by the ministry led by Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović.
Obradović, who serves as third secretary at Montenegro’s embassy in Moscow, drew attention last year when he participated in the forum “Balkan Dialogue 2025: Montenegro and Russia” in Saint Petersburg while acting as chargé d’affaires. During the event, he stated that “Russia and Montenegro are two states, one spirit,” and described the two nations as sharing “one heart.”
The controversy intensified after social media posts surfaced showing him posing near a monument to Felix Dzerzhinsky at Lubyanka Square, the founder of the Soviet secret police Cheka, widely associated with political repression during the early Soviet period.
The Montenegrin Foreign Ministry had previously distanced itself from Obradović’s remarks, emphasizing that they did not reflect the country’s official foreign policy and were made without consultation or approval from the ministry. Officials said that appropriate steps had been taken at the time.
When asked about the latest decision to summon the diplomat again, the ministry stated briefly that the procedure was conducted in accordance with the Law on Foreign Affairs, without providing further details.
According to diplomatic practice, recalling a diplomat for consultations is typically intended to clarify positions or conduct internal review, and may be followed by warnings or potential disciplinary measures.
The case has renewed debate about the presence and influence of pro-Russian views within diplomatic networks in the Western Balkans, at a time when Russia continues efforts to maintain political and security leverage in the region.
Tensions between Montenegro and Moscow have been evident since March 2022, when Russia placed Montenegro on its list of countries deemed to be taking “hostile actions” against Russian interests. In response to suspected activities contrary to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Montenegro expelled five Russian diplomats, after which Moscow declared a Montenegrin diplomat persona non grata.
