Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the plenary session of the Valdai Forum in Sochi today, with Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik following his speech from the front row. Dodik’s presence drew significant attention from Russian media, eager to know what he would discuss with Putin after the forum.
Dodik explained that the meeting will focus on the current situation, bilateral relations, an assessment of what has been achieved since their last talks, and setting new agreements for the future. The meeting between President Dodik and Russian President Vladimir Putin will mark the 27th official encounter between the two leaders.
This time, the talks will take place in Sochi, where the Valdai Forum has been underway for the past four days. The agenda will include relations between Republika Srpska and Russia.
“I want to inform him about the situation in the Balkans, in Republika Srpska, and in BiH. I also want to ask him to ensure that the Balkans are not left out of his discussions with the U.S. and President Trump,” Dodik said ahead of the meeting.
Dodik highlighted Russia’s role as a guarantor of the Dayton Peace Agreement, noting that alongside China, it remains one of the few global powers advocating for a constitutional Bosnia and Herzegovina and respect for Republika Srpska’s constitutional competences.
“Russia has a fully legitimate and legal right to return to that process and defend its interests, which for us have always been objective and balanced,” Dodik stressed.
Dodik’s attendance at the 22nd annual session of the Valdai International Discussion Club, particularly during Putin’s speech, also attracted broad coverage in Russian media.
“It is a great honor to be here today, in a place where the President of the Russian Federation addresses not only issues relevant to Russia but to the entire world. Russia is today a global power,” Dodik emphasized.
The Dodik–Putin meeting comes at a time of unprecedented pressure on Republika Srpska. According to confirmations from the Kremlin, Russia will use its presidency of the UN Security Council to raise the issue of returning to the Dayton framework on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Source: RTRS
