Putin thanked the leader of the Bosnian Serbs for the neutral position on Ukraine

Russia is grateful to the Republika Srpska (RS, part of Bosnia and Herzegovina) for its neutral position on the Ukrainian crisis. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with the leader of the Bosnian Serbs Milorad Dodik.

“We are grateful to you for your neutral position on the events in Ukraine. Only such a position can lead to any positive decision. But in any case, we are grateful to you for restraint, ” said Russian President.

According to Putin, the growth of trade between Russia and the Republika Srpska over the past year amounted to 57%. He also noted the interest of the republic’s business in working with Russian large companies in various areas.

Putin also thanked Dodik for supporting interest in the Russian language and culture at the state level. In response, the Bosnian Serb leader stated that the republic remains “stubborn in its political stance”. According to him, Russia tried to provide security guarantees, but in the end was forced to launch a special operation in Ukraine. Dodik added that the Republika Srpska stands for an early peaceful settlement of the situation.

He noted that he was required to impose sanctions against the Russian Federation, but the authorities of the republic decided not to become “part of this hysteria.” What is happening in Ukraine is not a conflict between Moscow and Kiev, this is a clash with the West, which is trying to “stir up a war,” Dodik concluded.

The day before, on May 22, the leader of the Bosnian Serbs met in Moscow with Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev. The press service of the Security Council clarifiedthat the parties exchanged views “on the problems of regional security in modern geopolitical conditions.”

On the same day, in an interview with RIA Novosti, the head of the Republika Srpska representation in the Russian Federation, Dusko Perovic declaredthat the meeting between Putin and Dodik will also discuss the price of gas. He also announced the readiness of the republic to pay for gas in rubles.