US lawmakers demand new sanctions against Milorad Dodik and associates

The appeal was led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), alongside Representatives Mike Turner (R-OH) and Ann Wagner (R-MO). They warned that Dodik’s secessionist rhetoric and coordination with foreign actors risk destabilizing the Western Balkans. The lawmakers specifically urged the administration to adhere to the newly enacted sanctions within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.

"We write with concern regarding the actions, rhetoric, and foreign influence operations of Milorad Dodik and his associates," the lawmakers stated. They noted that despite his removal from the sanctions list in late 2025, Dodik has persisted in activities that threaten regional stability, including the celebration of the unconstitutional "Republika Srpska Day" on January 9, 2026.

In their formal correspondence to Secretary Bessent and Secretary Rubio, the lawmakers expressed grave concern regarding the activities of Milorad Dodik. They argued that his actions have significant negative impacts on the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Consequently, they requested the immediate imposition of sanctions against Mr Dodik and his associates under the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act, which was incorporated into the FY2026 NDAA (P.L. 119-60).

The group pointed out that although the previous administration lifted sanctions on October 29, 2025, in an attempt to foster political stability, Mr Dodik has shown no genuine interest in that objective. They observed that while he no longer holds a formal government office, he remains the influential leader of the SNSD and continues to challenge state institutions and the Office of the High Representative.

To support their claims, the lawmakers highlighted several examples of what they described as destabilizing behavior. They noted his role in organizing unconstitutional January 9th commemorations and his frequent social media posts advocating for the secession of Republika Srpska. Furthermore, they mentioned that Mr Dodik has engaged a Canadian firm, Dickens & Madson, to lobby for independence, an act they stated directly contradicts the Dayton Peace Agreement. They also drew attention to provocative actions by his associates, specifically citing a recent incident involving Stasa Košarac and the High Representative.

The legislators emphasized that Section 8335 of the FY2026 NDAA mandates sanctions against individuals who undermine peace and security in the Western Balkans, with a deadline of March 18, 2026. They asserted that Mr Dodik’s efforts to promote independence clearly qualify as sanctionable activity under this law. In closing, they urged the departments to make the necessary legal determinations, stating that it is in the interest of US national security to hold accountable those who seek to dismantle over thirty years of peace.