Russian president thanks Bosnian Serb leader for ‘neutral stance’ on events in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday thanked Milorad Dodik, the leader of Republika Srpska (RS), one of the two political entities making up Bosnia and Herzegovina, for his “neutral stance” on the events in Ukraine.

"We are grateful to you for your neutral position on the events in Ukraine. Only such a position can lead to some kind of positive decision," Putin said ahead of a meeting with Dodik in the Russian capital Moscow.

On relations between Russia and RS, Putin said the two sides are developing their ties “successfully” and growth in bilateral trade shows a positive trend.

Putin also said he was aware of the interest of partners from RS in working with Russian companies in various areas.

"I also know that thousands of schoolchildren in Republika Srpska are studying Russian. And interest in the Russian language and Russian culture is also maintained at the state level. For which we are also very grateful to you," Putin added.

For his part, Dodik claimed that the Russia-Ukraine war was not caused by a clash between Moscow and Kyiv, but due to attempts by the West to inflate the conflict.

"We understand that this is not a war between Ukraine and Russia. This is a clash of the West, which is trying to use Russia as a way to inflate this war," Dodik said.

Dodik further said RS is consistent in its position with regard to the Russia-Ukraine war, and that they believe Russia was “forced” to launch its “special military operation.”

He also claimed that the US and the EU are trying to impose decisions on countries that meet “only the interests of the West.”