The Russian Embassy published a statement on its Facebook page denying the role of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“As for the statement of the German citizen Christian Schmidt regarding the Russian Ambassador to BiH, who allegedly ‘fell silent a bit’, we will would like to remind everyone of the following:

We do not consider it necessary to comment on the attempts of a person who, in fact, does not exist in the function he imagines he has. Moreover, there is essentially nothing to comment on, because the practical result [of such a comment] is zero,” the Embassy stated.

The Russian Embassy reiterated that it does not recognize the appointment of Schmidt to the position of High Representative.

“We reaffirm that Christian Schmidt, who was appointed without the approval of the UN Security Council and the consent of all peoples in BiH, cannot be considered a High Representative. So his expected ‘report’ is nothing but the opinion of a private person” stands in the announcement.

Russian Ambassador to BiH Igor Kalabukhov gave statements during his public appearances that shocked the domestic and regional public.
Kalabukhov even threatened BiH that it could suffer consequences if it joined NATO. Since the beginning of the mandate of the High Representative, Russia has not recognized his legitimacy.

The appointment of High Representative Schmidt is not recognized by BiH Presidency member Milorad Dodik either.