Reactions to the visit of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik to Moscow and his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin came from both Washington and Brussels. Dodik talked with Putin about Dayton, sanctions against Russia, gas prices and the economy. Analysts believe that Putin has only one interest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that is to stop it on its way to NATO and the European Union.
As Dodik stated, the final status of Republika Srpska was discussed with Putin if "the Dayton Peace Agreement continues to be violated", but also sanctions, which, as he emphasizes, Bosnia and Herzegovina did not impose on Russia because of Republika Srpska.
Warnings from the US and EU
Commenting on the meeting between Dodik and Putin, the US State Department stated that "no government, at any level, should at this moment expand cooperation with Russia, while that country is carrying out aggression against Ukraine."
A spokesperson for the State Department told Voice of America that Dodik's decision to meet with Putin, "while Russia at the same time openly violates the foundations and laws of the international order", as well as the decision to single out Putin, are short-sighted moves that do not serve the interests of the citizens of Republika Srpska.
On the occasion of this visit, European Union spokesman Peter Stano said that maintaining close ties with Russia is incompatible with the European path.
"The European Union was crystal clear with our partners: relations with Russia cannot be normal with the Putin regime, in the shadow of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine," Stano said in a written response to Radio Free Europe.
Benefit for Putin
German political scientist Bodo Weber believes that Dodik's visit to Moscow is just a continuation of the long-standing policy of alliance with Putin, as well as sending provocative messages to the West.
Also, as Weber says, Dodik is undermining the image of the new Council of Ministers, which should push the country forward towards the European Union.
"Putin's greatest political benefit is that he has an ally in the EU's backyard, thus achieving a symbolic victory." On the other hand, Russia has no deeper strategic interests in the Balkans except one: to prevent the expansion of NATO. This is where Dodik is consistent, to prevent BiH's path to NATO membership," said Weber for BHT.
This is the second time since Russia invaded Ukraine that Dodik met with Putin.
In a statement to the public service Radio-television of Republika Srpska (RTRS) after the meeting with Putin, Dodik called countries that impose sanctions on Russia "hostile".
Along with accusations and harsh rhetoric against the American embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dodik said that the goal of the American ambassador is to "destroy RS by the end of his mandate".
BG/FoNet/Deutsche Welle/Free Europe
Read daily news, analysis, commentary and interviews at www.vreme.com
