The US Committee on Foreign Affairs discussed the Western Balkans Tuesday, and especially Bosnia and Herzegovina. They said that the escalation between Serbia and Kosovo and the violence in the North of Kosovo is something that is alarming and that they urgently need to return to the negotiating table. Committee members condemned "the policy of secessionism of Republika Srpska and its leader Milorad Dodik. An American response is expected, sanctions are needed now," the Committee said.

Europe cannot be safe as the situation is brewing in the Western Balkans, and the US cannot allow Russia to fill the vacuum due to lack of progress, they noted.

When it comes to Bosnia, Deputy Assistant Secretary Gabriel Escobar said that “regrettably, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik remains focused on dismantling the Dayton Peace Agreement and the state constitution. Dodik’s persistent, secessionist, and anti-democratic actions threaten the stability, security, and prosperity of the country and the wider region.”

“We will continue to call out these actions and hold to account anyone who undermines the Dayton Peace Agreement or threatens the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multi-ethnic character of the country. We will also continue intensive efforts to bolster the international community’s commitment to uphold Dayton, including rallying support for the European Union’s EUFOR ALTHEA mission. Further, we remain firm in supporting the Office of the High Representative’s use of Bonn Powers to counter threats to the Dayton Agreement,” he added.

Ann Wagner, a member of the Committee criticized Dodik and said that the US must make it a priority to fight against anti-democratic actors like him.

An unmistakable message should be sent to all those who threaten the territorial integrity and sovereignty of BiH she said.

According to Wagner, Everyone must be sanctioned. Dodik's unilateral behaviour and the withdrawal of the RS from the Constitutional Court of BiH is a real sign of escalation in his campaign to fight Bosnia’s sovereignty.

She recalled Dodik threatened to hold an independence referendum by the end of the year which would destroy the foundations of peace in the Western Balkans.

Escobar also talked about the Western Balkans’ dependence on Russia and China.

“Russian influence comes in two ways – one through disinformation, the other through energy. Russia does not and cannot help the construction and democratic rule. Everyone depends on energy. We can help the region by strengthening their energy independence,” he concluded.