Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik expressed hope on Friday that US sanctions against him might be lifted following Donald Trump's election as President of the United States.

“Naturally, I am hopeful,” Dodik said. “Just two days before Trump's first inauguration—an event I was invited to—the Democratic administration imposed sanctions on me. During Trump's four years in office, the sanctions couldn’t be lifted due to individuals in positions that couldn't be changed. I have faith in what I’m doing. I’m committed to upholding the Dayton Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while it’s actually the Constitutional Court of BiH that undermines the BiH Constitution,” Dodik stated.

He added that a cocktail party was held at the RS Presidential Palace to mark Trump’s victory, and an American flag featuring Trump’s image was displayed alongside the RS flag at the palace.

“We celebrated Trump's win yesterday. With two months before he officially takes office, it’s a waiting period we’ll endure,” Dodik noted.

Dodik believes that Trump’s presidency could ease conditions for Republika Srpska’s government to engage with key US decision-makers. “We already have some contacts, but this doesn’t imply a fundamental change in relations; it’s about shifting dynamics,” he said.

When asked about the latest US sanctions, which recently placed the company Elpring on the US blacklist, Dodik commented that banks are now receiving warnings to close accounts or face closure themselves.

“More sanctions are likely on the way, possibly harsher ones. However, this might work in our favour as it could make our access to certain places more straightforward,” Dodik concluded.