Bosnian Serb Leader Dodik Meets with Russian Official, Refuses to Join Anti-Russian Sanctions

Milorad Dodik, the pro-Russian president of the Republika Srpska entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, met with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev in St. Petersburg, Russia on Monday. During the meeting, Dodik reaffirmed the entity's refusal to participate in Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Dodik, who is under U.S. and U.K. sanctions for his alleged obstruction of the Dayton agreement and attempts to erode central Bosnian authority, has been a vocal supporter of Russia. Despite Bosnia's EU candidate status and the country joining EU sanctions against Russia, implementation has faced obstacles due to obstruction by Republika Srpska officials led by Dodik.

During the meeting, Dodik even threatened to separate the Serbian entity with a "Great Wall of China" if the United Nations General Assembly adopts a resolution commemorating the genocide committed by Bosnian Serb troops against the Muslim population of Srebrenica in 1995. He accused the Bosniaks of being a "genocidal people" and stated that they "don't even want to share the air" with them.

Patrushev promised Dodik that Russia would vote against the Srebrenica resolution, which Dodik claims is a "despicable lie" and could destabilize relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dodik also criticized a recent U.S. State Department report, calling it an "old imperialists' trick".

Why this matters: Dodik's meeting with Patrushev and refusal to join anti-Russian sanctions highlight the ongoing political divisions within Bosnia and Herzegovina. The European Union has warned that Republika Srpska's secessionist measures could have serious consequences, stressing that there is no place in Europe for the denial of genocide, revisionism, and the glorification of war criminals.

Dodik emphasized that Republika Srpska has excellent relations with Russia, currently the fifth largest economy in the world, and expressed gratitude that Bosnia and Herzegovina did not impose sanctions on Russia thanks to Republika Srpska's stance. The meeting between Dodik and Patrushev took place during the International Meeting of Security Representatives in St. Petersburg, which hosted representatives from security structures of more than 130 countries.

Key Takeaways

• Dodik, Republika Srpska leader, met Patrushev, refusing Russia sanctions.
• Dodik threatened to separate Republika Srpska if UN commemorates Srebrenica.
• Russia promised to vote against Srebrenica resolution, calling it "destabilizing".
• Republika Srpska's secessionist measures could have serious consequences.
• Dodik emphasized excellent Russia ties, gratitude for no Bosnia sanctions.