Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik gave an award to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 8th of January, during the national holiday of the autonomous Republika Srpska, Reuters writes.
The award was given for special care and favour towards the Republika Srpska. Dodik, who has long valued ties with Russia more than moving towards the West, thanked Putin for his reliable support for Republika Srpska and indicated that he would present the medal when the two meet in person.
«Thanks to the position of Vladimir Putin and the strength of the Russian Federation, the voice and position of Republika Srpska has been heard and respected,»
Dodik said.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Dodik has sought to block efforts by Bosnia’s tripartite presidency to join European Union sanctions against Russia. At the same time, Russian envoys in turn support Dodik’s separatist actions aimed at weakening the central government.
In December, Russia condemned the action of the European Union by granting the status of a candidate country to the Bosnia bloc. It has also warned that any attempt by Bosnia to move closer to NATO membership will be seen as a hostile act.
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