“Putin is responsible for developing and strengthening cooperation, political and friendly relations between Republika Srpska and Russia,” Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik said at a ceremony. The medal will be presented to Putin at a subsequent meeting between the two leaders.
“Thanks to Vladimir Putin and the strength of the Russian Federation, the voice and position of Republika Srpska has been heard and respected,” Dodik said. The Serbian Republic is one of the two regions that make up Bosnia and Herzegovina. The other region is that of the Muslims and Croats, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Russia has tried to increase its influence in the Western Balkans in recent years, but that largely came to an end following the invasion of Ukraine. With the exception of Bosnia and neighboring Serbia, all Balkan countries participate in the EU sanctions once morest Russia. Nevertheless, Dodik continues to maintain close ties with the Russian president. The nationalist also supported the mock referendums with which Russia legitimized the illegal annexation of four Ukrainian provinces.
