President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, expressed strong opinions in an interview with RT Balkan, addressing international double standards, the status of Republika Srpska, and broader geopolitical dynamics.
“If the U.S. claims a right to Greenland, then Serbia has a right to Republika Srpska. Whenever we discuss borders, they say, ‘Borders are sacred and untouchable.’ But how is it they can change borders elsewhere, yet Republika Srpska cannot even contemplate unification with Serbia?” said Dodik, recalling the foundational aspirations for Republika Srpska in 1992, which were for an independent state rather than an entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dodik criticized what he views as historical injustices and the imposition of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a state framework. “If the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the independence of Slovenia and Croatia were deemed ‘realities on the ground,’ why wasn’t Republika Srpska treated the same way?” he asked, further criticizing the inconsistent application of international principles.
On historical narratives and global politics
Dodik accused the international community of perpetuating lies about the Serbian people during the Bosnian war, stating, “Over 450 people built careers on the falsehoods about Serbs in BiH. It’s a proven lie that Serbs killed 300,000 people in Bosnia, but no one acknowledges this anymore.”
He also turned his focus to the conflict in Ukraine, arguing that Russia’s actions were a necessary response to Western plans to dismantle it. “If Russia hadn’t acted, it would have been divided into smaller states controlled by multinational corporations,” he claimed, praising Russian President Vladimir Putin for his resolve.
Serbia’s role in the Balkans
Dodik emphasized the importance of Serbia’s political stability and leadership in addressing regional challenges. He praised Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s efforts in defending Serbian interests, particularly regarding Kosovo.
“Serbia is the most stable country in the Balkans, economically and politically. Vučić has managed to bring Serbia back to the global political scene, and his leadership is evident in how he addresses Serbian national interests,” said Dodik.
Dodik also criticized certain narratives coming from Serbia’s opposition, which he felt disparaged Serbs in Republika Srpska. “It’s hurtful and insulting when some in Serbia suggest that people from Republika Srpska manipulated election outcomes in Serbia. Such comments undermine the deep connection our people have with Serbia,” he said, advocating for automatic Serbian citizenship and voting rights for all individuals born in Republika Srpska.
Criticism of the European Union and global dynamics
Dodik described the European Union as weakened and increasingly irrelevant on the global stage. “Europe is no longer a major player. It lacks leadership and the capacity to manage its own affairs, let alone those of the EU. Leaders like Baerbock are a humiliation for European civilization,” he remarked, criticizing the EU’s energy policies and reliance on costly imports from the U.S.
As an example of failed European policies, Dodik pointed to the bankruptcy of a key company in the green energy sector. “The EU invested billions in ‘Northvolt,’ yet the company declared bankruptcy. This highlights the unsustainability of relying solely on wind and solar energy,” he explained.
Defending Republika Srpska’s sovereignty
Dodik concluded by highlighting the opposition’s lack of patriotism toward Republika Srpska and criticized their past subservience to Sarajevo. “Unlike now, they used to visit Republika Srpska only after paying their respects in Sarajevo. Today, we no longer need to act that way. My priority remains defending Republika Srpska’s sovereignty and ensuring its rightful place alongside Serbia,” he said.
Source: RTRS
