The Kremlin has today denounced the prison sentence handed down to Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, labeling it as “politically” motivated and warning of “adverse effects” for the Balkans.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov informed the press, stating, “The trial against Dodik is entirely political and is aimed not just at him but also at all patriotic forces.”

According to Peskov, Russia “condemns such actions, as they could result in negative consequences for the entirety of the Balkans.”

“We hold in high regard the constructive and trustworthy relations between (Vladimir) Putin and Dodik, as well as the historical brotherly ties between Russians and Serbs,” Peskov added.

On the previous day, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina sentenced Dodik to one year in prison for his failure to implement the High Representative’s decisions in BiH and has barred him from serving as President of Republika Srpska for six years from the date the verdict is finalized.

The Russian Foreign Ministry noted yesterday that the BiH Court’s ruling against Dodik could result in disastrous outcomes for the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the surrounding region.

As reported by France Presse, Dodik has consistently advocated for strong ties with Moscow and has expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, maintaining his visits to Russia even after the commencement of the Russian offensive in Ukraine in February 2022.

His most recent meeting with Putin occurred in October 2024, during a discussion at the BRICS summit in Kazan.

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