The President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, highlighted Russia’s significance for his entity after a meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Dodik reiterated that Russia has always maintained an objective position regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina and that its role in the United Nations Security Council is crucial for the region’s stability.

“I just met with Russian President Vladimir Putin; this is our 26th meeting. Putin is well-informed about every detail of our situation and is interested in the issues affecting ordinary people in our country. Russia is a very important country for Republika Srpska within the framework of the United Nations and has always taken an objective stance. Russia is the guarantor of a peace agreement, and Putin reaffirmed this during our meeting,” Dodik stated in a post on the social media platform X, along with a video of the encounter.

During the discussion, the Russian leader also underscored the illegitimacy of the so-called “High Representative” for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, whose 2021 appointment has been contested by Republika Srpska as a violation of the Dayton Agreement procedures.

Dodik also confirmed that he plans to return to Moscow on May 9 to attend the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory over Nazi Germany.

Despite an international arrest warrant issued by Interpol’s Sarajevo office, Dodik proceeded with his visit to Moscow. On February 26, a Bosnian court sentenced him to one year in prison and banned him from political activity for six years for refusing to comply with decisions made by High Representative Christian Schmidt. However, Republika Srpska does not recognize Schmidt’s authority, arguing that his appointment was not conducted according to the proper legal procedures.