The U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Michael Murphy, has raised concerns about Russia’s involvement in interfering with elections, describing it as a threat to all nations, not just Bosnia.
In an interview with Radio Free Europe’s Balkan Service, Murphy commented on recent reports that Russia had established paramilitary organizations in Bosnia’s Serb-dominated entity, Republika Srpska, to influence elections in Moldova.
“They had a training camp for individuals who were to interfere with democratic elections in a country seeking EU membership, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is serious. It shows how prepared and dangerous they are in carrying out such actions,” Murphy said.
He emphasized that such actions should alarm not only Bosnia’s political leaders but also its citizens, and the broader international community, including the U.S. and other transatlantic states.
The ambassador stressed that Russia has consistently shown malicious influence globally, particularly in Europe and the Western Balkans. “This is true here in Bosnia and Herzegovina and throughout the Western Balkans. It is clear that what Russia does not want is an independent Bosnia and Herzegovina, with economic prosperity, in the EU and the Euro-Atlantic community,” Murphy added.
The information about the Russian camps, where Moldovan citizens were trained to incite unrest, was first reported by Moldovan authorities and later confirmed by intelligence sources in Bosnia. One individual connected to these activities has been arrested in Bosnia and is facing extradition as he is also wanted by Poland for preparing sabotage acts.
Furthermore, the U.S. has called for an investigation into Moscow’s efforts to influence Romania’s presidential and parliamentary elections. Authorities published classified documents indicating that Romania was the target of a “Russian hybrid aggressive action,” which contributed to a surprise victory for a pro-Russian far-right candidate in last month’s presidential election.
