Russian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Igor Kalabukhov has stated that Russia firmly believes BiH is fully capable of developing independently, without external supervision, demonstrating its political and social maturity.
In an interview with Glas Srpske, Kalabukhov emphasized the importance of forming new authorities at all levels of government following the elections.
“We expect the institutions of government to be formed as soon as possible at all levels in BiH, in the interest of the country’s gradual stabilization, strengthening peace and security in the Balkans, and further developing the multifaceted relations between Russia and BiH,” Kalabukhov said.
Russia calls for closure of the Office of the High Representative
The ambassador stressed that, following the constructive formation of new authorities, Russia intends to continue strengthening its strategic partnership with Republika Srpska.
“Russia consistently advocates for BiH to be freed as soon as possible from what we consider a harmful Western protectorate. This primarily means closing the Office of the High Representative (OHR), whose interference in BiH’s internal affairs only deepens divisions among the constituent peoples and prevents them from reaching compromises and mutually acceptable solutions,” Kalabukhov stated.
He also criticized certain Western countries, accusing them of interfering in BiH’s internal affairs while attempting to present themselves as representatives of the broader international community.
Respect for the Dayton Peace Agreement
Kalabukhov emphasized that Russia’s approach, along with that of other countries he described as the Global Majority, differs fundamentally from Western policies toward BiH.
“The approach of Russia and other countries of the Global Majority is fundamentally different. It is based on respect for international law, including the Dayton Peace Agreement, which guarantees the sovereignty of BiH while providing broad constitutional powers to its entities,” he explained.
According to the Russian ambassador, the Dayton framework should remain the foundation for political dialogue and institutional development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dialogue between constituent peoples as the path forward
Kalabukhov concluded that the most effective path toward BiH’s progress lies in agreements reached independently by its three constituent peoples and two entities.
He stressed that solutions should emerge through dialogue based on mutual respect, rather than through external intervention.
The ambassador reiterated Russia’s position that Bosnia and Herzegovina possesses the capacity to manage its own political development and build a stable future through internal cooperation and compromise.
Source: RTRS
