A Bosnian Serb identified as Anđelko Milićević, also known by the nickname “Žico,” is suspected of joining the Russian military and fighting in Ukraine while being wanted by Bosnian authorities to serve a prison sentence.
According to an investigation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the 33-year-old from Doboj had been sentenced to four years and 11 months in prison for drug trafficking and illegal possession of explosives. However, he managed to evade authorities, disappeared from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and became the subject of an international arrest warrant.
Ukrainian military intelligence claims that Milićević signed a contract with the Russian army on September 14, 2023, and served in the 109th Parachute Regiment.
Milićević had previously been arrested in Sarajevo in 2021 on suspicion of planning the liquidation of several individuals. During the arrest, police reportedly discovered weapons, drugs, and flammable materials, but he was later released because his earlier conviction in Doboj had not yet become final at the time.
After the ruling was confirmed by the Supreme Court of Republika Srpska, Bosnian authorities ordered him to begin serving his sentence, but he could no longer be located. Both domestic and international warrants were subsequently issued for his arrest.
Under new Russian legislation signed by Vladimir Putin in February 2026, foreign nationals who have served in the Russian military cannot be extradited to their home countries, a measure that could keep Milićević beyond the reach of Bosnian justice authorities.
Security experts have warned that the eventual return of individuals with criminal backgrounds from the war in Ukraine could pose serious security risks to the region due to war trauma and combat experience acquired on the battlefield.
