Russian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Igor Kalabukhov stated that in recent years, there has been an exceptionally aggressive effort by several Western countries to revise the Dayton Agreement. He emphasized that Russia believes that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s development as a sovereign state is only possible through mutual agreement and compromise, without the imposition of foreign artificial solutions.
Kalabukhov reminded that the Russian Federation is one of the guarantors of the Dayton Agreement and that the upcoming 30th anniversary of its signing is an important date for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- We believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s further development as a sovereign state is only possible through dialogue and compromise, without the imposition of foreign artificial solutions, while respecting the equal rights and consensus of its three constituent peoples and two entities, as well as maintaining a balance of their interests – Kalabukhov stated.
He emphasized that the key prerequisite for achieving this is dialogue based on mutual respect, and Russia is ready to assist through all available diplomatic mechanisms.
Unfortunately, Kalabukhov noted, in recent years there has been an extremely aggressive campaign by several Western countries to revise the Dayton Agreement.
- Their arrogance in imposing decisions solely by the will of an illegitimate high representative, who was not approved by the UN Security Council, is a prime example of neocolonialism. In this context, we must mention all illegal interventions by Christian Schmidt in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s internal affairs – Kalabukhov wrote in his opinion piece for Glas Srpske.
Russia’s diplomatic legacy and the global geopolitical shift
Noting that Russia celebrates Diplomatic Worker’s Day on February 10, Kalabukhov stated that Russian diplomacy dates back as far as the Russian state itself, with its earliest interactions with Byzantium.
For centuries, Russia has played a crucial role in shaping international relations in Europe and beyond, he said, adding that during the Soviet era, it actively participated in establishing the post-war world order to prevent the resurgence of Nazism and global conflict.
- This entire process was made possible thanks to our joint victory over fascism, in which the Soviet Union played a decisive role, sacrificing 27 million lives. We will celebrate this important anniversary together on May 9, both in Red Square and here in Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina – Kalabukhov stated.
He also pointed out that Russian legal experts played a key role in drafting the UN Charter, which for the first time in history proclaimed the sovereign equality of states, the right of peoples to self-determination, and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of independent nations.
These interconnected documents became the foundation of the post-war world order, which is now being critically threatened by Western countries, he warned. According to Kalabukhov, these states have continued aggressive neocolonial behavior under the guise of their so-called historical exceptionalism.
- By establishing NATO and its military interventions in sovereign states, by instrumentalizing the OSCE, the Council of Europe, various UN agencies, and the International Criminal Court, Western countries have placed themselves above international law and begun dismantling the global security system – Kalabukhov emphasized.
Russia’s response to Western unilateralism
In response to these unilateral actions, Russia has provided diplomatic countermeasures and launched the Group of Friends for the Defense of the UN Charter several years ago, Kalabukhov noted.
In February 2024, on the platform of Russia’s leading political party, United Russia, a new initiative called “For the Freedom of Nations” was launched, with over 50 countries joining the movement, including representatives from Republika Srpska.
He further highlighted that Russia, in cooperation with the Global South and the East, has established BRICS, a platform based on equality, mutual respect, and shared interests, free from exclusive institutions and bloc alliances, serving as the foundation of a more just and efficient world order.
- Last year, Russia presided over the first expanded BRICS summit in Kazan, from October 22-24, with the participation of 35 countries and six international organizations.
Kalabukhov expressed gratitude that Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik attended the event, while a sports delegation from Srpska participated in the first-ever BRICS Games.
- Today, BRICS is not just a bloc of 10 full members but also includes partner states. We are also working on developing the Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity for the 21st Century – Kalabukhov added.
Strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding Russia’s presence
Kalabukhov reaffirmed that Russia continues to expand diplomatic ties and maintains relations with 190 countries worldwide. He reminded that in June 2024, Russia officially opened an embassy office in Banja Luka.
- We have signed agreements on reciprocal cultural and scientific centers with 17 countries. Unfortunately, a similar proposal submitted to the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been awaiting approval for four years – Kalabukhov concluded.
Source: RTRS
