Milorad Dodik, president of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Serb-majority Republika Srpska and leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, alongside Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić, just five days before Bosnia and Herzegovina’s general elections on October 4.
The meeting took place at the Kremlin and focused on political, economic and other areas of cooperation between Russia and Republika Srpska. Russian and Republika Srpska officials described relations between the two sides as close and pledged to continue cooperation.
According to Republika Srpska public broadcaster RTRS, Putin said Russia wanted greater stability in the region and a “fairer” approach toward Serbs. Dodik subsequently said Putin’s support for the ruling coalition in Republika Srpska was important ahead of the elections.
Dodik also proposed establishing an annual cooperation council between Russia and Republika Srpska at the presidential and ministerial levels, preceded by joint government sessions. He said Putin would consider the proposal.
Dodik Reaffirms Position on Russia and NATO
Following the meeting, Dodik said Republika Srpska would continue its policy of opposing sanctions against Russia and rejecting NATO membership.
“We also feel pressure from Brussels, but our policies remain the same. We do not allow sanctions against Russia. We support military neutrality and do not allow NATO membership,” Dodik said, according to the report.
He also said there would be no introduction of visa requirements for Russian citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The meeting comes as Bosnia and Herzegovina prepares for its October 4 general elections. Dodik has publicly backed SNSD candidates, including Savo Minić, who is running for president of Republika Srpska, while Željka Cvijanović is the party’s candidate for the state presidency.
Continued Moscow–Republika Srpska Ties
Dodik has repeatedly described Russia as an important partner for Republika Srpska. Before the Kremlin meeting, he said the visit demonstrated the strength of relations between Republika Srpska and Russia and emphasized the importance of continued political and economic cooperation.
The Kremlin has likewise described relations with Republika Srpska as close and said Russia would continue supporting the entity on international issues, including at the United Nations Security Council.
The latest meeting was also accompanied by discussions on economic cooperation. Dodik said Putin confirmed that the existing gas price for Republika Srpska would remain unchanged and that Russia was interested in cooperation with the Orao Aviation Institute in Bijeljina.
The meeting was Dodik’s latest high-level encounter with Putin as Moscow continues to maintain close relations with Republika Srpska amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and Western sanctions against Moscow.
