Russia’s Lavrov pledges continued support for Republika Srpska, criticises Western influence in Bosnia

Lavrov highlighted that over 12,000 students in Republika Srpska are learning the Russian language and noted growing cooperation in the media sector. He described the meeting as particularly symbolic, coinciding with the September 9 commemoration of the NATO bombing of Republika Srpska from 1995.

“Dayton is the foundation of peace”

Lavrov underlined that Russia, as one of the “guarantors” of the Dayton Agreement, will continue to insist on preserving all its provisions.

“Dayton was approved by consensus in the UN Security Council. It guarantees the equality of Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, as well as the equality of Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH, with broad constitutional powers for the entities. The West flagrantly violates these principles, attempting to turn BiH into a unitary state with subservient institutions,” Lavrov claimed.

He warned that such moves risk the deepest political crisis in BiH in the last 30 years and could destabilise the entire region.

Criticism of Schmidt and the Constitutional Court

Lavrov specifically criticised High Representative Christian Schmidt, calling him a “Gauleiter” and pointing out that Schmidt’s appointment was not confirmed by the UN Security Council.

“Schmidt actively assists the BiH Constitutional Court, which is under EU control due to Western pressure. This prevents the domestic peoples from deciding on their internal affairs and balancing interests themselves,” the Russian minister stated.

Announcement for October

Lavrov announced that Russia, when it chairs the UN Security Council in October, will raise the issue of implementing the Dayton Agreement.

“We will prepare thoroughly for the October 31 session, and many of our partners will have to answer very uncomfortable but lawful questions,” he said.

Dodik’s statements

Later, Milorad Dodik addressed journalists, disparaging and challenging the High Representative, linking him to Nazism and questioning his authority, and blaming Germany for the situation in BiH.

Dodik travelled to Russia recently, without political office, after the BiH Court barred him from political activity and the Central Election Commission revoked his title as President of Republika Srpska. He was also sentenced to one year in prison, which he has served.

Dodik said he requested Lavrov’s help in closing the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and also asked for assistance regarding the composition of the BiH Constitutional Court. He emphasised a desire to return BiH to the fundamental Dayton principles.

Dodik further expressed support for the creation of a third entity in BiH with a Croat majority, noting that Republika Srpska would not make territorial concessions in that scenario.

He also boasted that Republika Srpska has blocked all attempts to impose sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine.

Regarding international peacekeeping forces (ALTHEA), Dodik mentioned them but did not specify whether he would seek Russian intervention to remove them, despite previous statements suggesting he would.