Kremlin Denounces Milorad Dodiks Imprisonment as Politically Motivated Move Against National Unity

On Thursday, the Kremlin condemned the one-year prison sentence handed down to Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, labeling it a «political» move that could result in «negative repercussions» for the region.

Dodik received his sentence on Wednesday for ignoring rulings set forth by an international envoy tasked with overseeing the peace agreements in the country.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated to reporters, «The charges against Dodik are purely political and target not just him, but all patriotic forces as well.»

He further emphasized, “We denounce such actions, as they could have unfavorable outcomes not only for Republika Srpska but for the Balkans at large.”

The trial in Sarajevo, which followed a period of escalating tension, is commonly viewed as a crucial test of the fragile central government in the Balkan nation, after Dodik’s breach of the peace agreement.

He was found guilty after endorsing legislation that refused to acknowledge the decisions made by Bosnia’s international high representative, Christian Schmidt, as well as the constitutional court.

A longtime ally of the Kremlin, Dodik has been influential in Republika Srpska for many years and has faced sanctions from the United States in both 2017 and 2022 due to his separatist agenda in Bosnia.

Nearly one-third of Bosnia’s population of 3.5 million resides in Republika Srpska, which constitutes almost half of the country’s territory.

Peskov expressed on Thursday, «We greatly value the trust and constructive relationship between [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and Dodik, along with the fraternal historical ties between Russians and Serbs.»