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Pro-Kremlin Ukrainian Commentator Labeled as “Terrorist” by Russian Authorities
In an unexpected development, Tetiana Montian, a vocal pro-Russian Ukrainian commentator, has been added to Russia’s official list of “terrorists and extremists” by the Federal Financial Monitoring Service, according to the agency’s registry updated on October 27.
The designation represents a stunning reversal of fortune for Montian, who relocated to Russia in 2021 and has been a consistent supporter of Moscow’s military campaign against Ukraine, including working for the state-controlled propaganda outlet RT.
Inclusion on this list typically signals an active criminal investigation, though Russian authorities have not publicly disclosed any formal charges against Montian. The immediate consequences are severe – her bank accounts will be frozen, with monthly withdrawals limited to just 10,000 rubles (approximately $120) for basic necessities.
Ekaterina Mizulina, who heads the state-sponsored censorship organization “Safe Internet League,” claimed her organization had previously filed a complaint with the Interior Ministry against Montian “for discrediting the Russian army in her blog posts.” This suggests Montian may have run afoul of Russia’s increasingly strict laws against criticism of its military operations.
Montian’s journey to this point reflects the complex and shifting loyalties in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Born in Crimea in 1972, she earned a law degree from Moscow State University in 1994 before establishing a legal career in Ukraine. Her political alignment became clear in 2014 when she opposed the pro-European Euromaidan movement and defended Russia’s actions in eastern Ukraine.
By 2015, Ukrainian authorities had added her to their “Myrotvorets” database, which tracks individuals considered to be collaborators with Russian separatists. Her move to Russia in 2021 cemented her position as a pro-Kremlin voice, appearing regularly on state television and writing columns for RT.
Just one week before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Montian addressed the UN Security Council, accusing Western powers of attempting to “drag Russia into war.” Following the invasion, she consistently criticized the Ukrainian government while expressing support for Moscow’s military campaign.
However, Montian’s relationship with other pro-Kremlin figures has been fraught. She has publicly criticized prominent Russian propagandists, including television host Vladimir Solovyov, whom she described in inflammatory terms on her Telegram channel.
Financial questions have also dogged Montian. The Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, which has connections to Russian security services, reported that she purchased a Moscow apartment worth approximately $315,000 in December 2024 despite having “no official income, no job, and paying no taxes.” The channel also noted her frequent “frontline fundraisers,” with Solovyov himself suggesting she might have misappropriated donations intended for Russian soldiers.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities opened their own criminal case against Montian in 2023, with the Security Service (SBU) charging her under four articles of the country’s criminal code, including collaborationism and threatening Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Montian’s case is part of a growing trend of pro-Kremlin figures facing unexpected state sanctions in Russia. In September, pro-war blogger Roman Alekhin was designated a “foreign agent,” as was political commentator Sergei Markov in August. The “foreign agent” label, while restrictive, is less severe than the “terrorist and extremist” designation Montian now faces.
Legal experts interviewed by independent Russian news outlet Meduza have described inclusion on the terrorist list as a form of “civil death” due to its severe restrictions on basic financial activities and civil liberties.
The Federal Financial Monitoring Service’s list has expanded rapidly in recent years, now rivaling the size of the “foreign agents” registry maintained by Russia’s Ministry of Justice. Traditionally targeting opposition figures, it now appears that even those who support the Kremlin are not immune from such designations if they step outside acceptable boundaries of discourse.
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14 Comments
This seems like a rather extreme measure against a pro-war commentator. Unless Montian has committed some egregious offense, labeling her a ‘terrorist’ and freezing her assets seems disproportionate. It makes me wonder about the dynamics within the pro-Kremlin camp.
Good point. The ‘terrorist’ label in particular is very heavy-handed. It suggests the Kremlin is growing increasingly paranoid and willing to turn on even its own supporters. This could further undermine trust in Russian institutions.
Wow, Russia is really going after its own propagandists now. I guess even pro-Kremlin voices aren’t safe if they step out of line. This could have a chilling effect on other commentators who might be wary of facing similar repercussions.
Absolutely, it sends a strong message that dissent of any kind will not be tolerated, even from those who have been loyally parroting the Kremlin’s talking points. This crackdown could backfire if it erodes trust in state media.
Interesting development. Montian was a vocal pro-Kremlin commentator, but now Russia has designated her as a ‘terrorist and extremist’. Seems like a drastic reversal – I wonder what she did to anger the authorities so much.
Yeah, it’s a surprising move. Freezing her bank accounts and limiting withdrawals to just $120 per month is a serious penalty. Curious to see if any formal charges are brought against her.
This is a puzzling development. Montian was a staunch pro-Kremlin voice, so why has she now been labeled a ‘terrorist’ by the Russian authorities? Unless she’s committed some egregious offense, this seems like an extreme overreaction that could backfire on the government.
Agreed, the ‘terrorist’ designation is very heavy-handed. It suggests the Kremlin is becoming increasingly paranoid and willing to turn on even its own loyalists. This crackdown could further erode trust in Russian institutions and the state media.
It’s concerning to see Russia going after its own pro-war commentators in this way. Montian may have crossed a line, but labeling her a ‘terrorist’ and freezing her assets seems like an overreaction. This could have a chilling effect on other pro-Kremlin voices who may now be wary of speaking out.
Absolutely. The ‘terrorist’ designation is particularly troubling, as it suggests the Kremlin is willing to use the full weight of the state apparatus against even its own supporters. This heavy-handed approach could backfire and further undermine trust in the Russian government.
This suggests Russia is cracking down hard on even its own supporters who don’t fully toe the party line. Labeling Montian a ‘terrorist’ seems like an extreme overreaction, unless she’s actually done something truly egregious.
I agree, the ‘terrorist’ designation is very heavy-handed. It makes me wonder if there’s more to the story that we’re not seeing. Curious to hear Montian’s side of things, if she’s able to comment.
The Kremlin appears to be tightening the noose on dissenting voices, even those who have been loyal to the regime. Montian’s designation as a ‘terrorist’ is a stark warning to other pro-war commentators – fall out of line and you’ll face severe consequences.
Absolutely. This move shows how the Russian government is willing to ruthlessly crack down on any hint of criticism or deviation from the official narrative, even from its own supporters. It’s a chilling message to the media landscape.