Lavrov refers to Dodik as “leader of Bosnian Serbs” in apparent shift of Russian rhetoric

The new wording from Moscow may signal a subtle shift in Russia’s approach toward Bosnia and Herzegovina’s internal political dynamics, particularly in light of ongoing negotiations and potential political developments in the region.

According to the official statement, Lavrov and Dodik met on the sidelines of the Third International Conference on Eurasian Security in Minsk, where they reaffirmed their strong support for the Dayton Peace Agreement as the foundation of stability in the Western Balkans and for strengthening bilateral partnership. The Russian Foreign Ministry also released a video of the meeting, in which the new designation of Dodik’s role is reiterated.

“On October 28, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with the leader of the Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milorad Dodik.

The two sides once again confirmed their firm support for the 1995 Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina as the sole basis for stability in the Western Balkans, as well as for strengthening bilateral partnership,” the ministry stated on X.

This change in tone comes amid growing speculation about a possible agreement between Dodik and the United States, which, according to certain sources, could include his withdrawal from the presidency of the entity.

Regional media have reported that Moscow is allegedly supportive of such an arrangement, making the nuanced shift in the Russian statement’s wording particularly noteworthy.

Following the meeting, Dodik said he had discussed with Lavrov a range of current issues concerning Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the upcoming UN Security Council session, reports on BiH to be presented there, the role of High Representative Christian Schmidt, and the extension of the EUFOR Althea peacekeeping mission’s mandate.

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