The Kremlin has today denounced the prison sentence handed to Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, labeling it as “political” persecution and cautioning that it may lead to “negative consequences” for the Balkans.

“The trial against Dodik is entirely political and targets not just him, but all patriotic forces,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated to the media.

Russia “condemns such actions as they could provoke negative ramifications for the entire Balkans,” Peskov asserted.

During his comments today, Dmitry Peskov highlighted the importance of the constructive and trusting relationship between (Vladimir) Putin and Dodik, along with the historically fraternal ties between Russians and Serbs.

Yesterday, the Court of BiH sentenced Dodik to one year in prison for his failure to comply with the decisions made by the High Representative in BiH, also prohibiting him from holding the position of President of the Republika Srpska for six years from the date the verdict is rendered final.

The Russian Foreign Ministry commented yesterday that the conviction of Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik by the Bosnian Court “will have disastrous effects on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and throughout the region.”

According to Agence France-Presse, Dodik has consistently promoted strong ties with Moscow and has expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, continuing his visits to Russia since the onset of the Russian military actions in Ukraine in February 2022.

Dodik last conferred with Putin in October 2024, during discussions that took place on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan.

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