Oct 24, 2024 — Milorad Dodik, the pro-Russian president of Bosnia’s Republika Srpska, held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday during a summit in Kazan. This encounter is Dodik’s fifth with Putin since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Dodik announced on his official X account that discussions centered on the completion of the Serbian-Russian temple in Banja Luka, as well as opportunities to enhance tourism collaboration between Serbia and Russia. “It is always a special pleasure to meet a great world leader and a sincere friend of Republika Srpska,” he stated.
The summit attracted leaders from several countries, including China, India, Brazil, and South Africa, further underscoring the gathering’s significance on the global stage.
Dodik’s close relationship with Russian officials has drawn increasing scrutiny from the international community. Many have emphasized Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to adhering to EU security and foreign policy guidelines as it seeks membership in the European Union.
Despite the pro-Russian rhetoric, the economic benefits for Republika Srpska appear limited. Investments from EU member states account for 64% of total foreign investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Russian investments constitute less than 4%.
In Republika Srpska, Russia ranks as the fifth-largest investor, following Serbia, Italy, Austria, and the United Kingdom. Previous projects involving Russian companies, such as the revitalization of the Bira? aluminum factory and the construction of the Ugljevik power plant, have faced substantial financial setbacks.
Experts note that Russia’s most significant presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina is within the oil sector, particularly through the Optima Group. This company, owned by the Russian state enterprise Zarubezhneft, is the largest oil firm in the country.
