Political analyst Stevica Deđanski said that the meeting between Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi is of great importance for Srpska, demonstrating that Russia appreciates Dodik’s efforts to defend international law and the interests of the Serb people.
“By doing so, Putin confirmed that he deeply values the friendship of the Serb people and the love Serbs have for Russia,” Deđanski told SRNA.
He emphasized that the significance of Dodik’s meeting with Putin is even greater because it was held on the sidelines of the Valdai International Discussion Club, the most prominent forum where intellectuals gather and shape Russia’s future policies.
“At Valdai, various ideas are presented—some accepted, some not—and President Putin outlines his vision for the future. That is why a meeting with Putin in such a setting carries even more weight than it normally would,” Deđanski explained.
He pointed out the importance of Putin’s support for the Serbs’ consistent call for dialogue.
“Putin supported us in our insistence on adhering to international law, which means respecting Dayton and preventing the imposition of decisions against the will of the people,” Deđanski said.
According to him, Putin strongly agreed with Dodik, which is especially significant given that Russia will hold the presidency of the UN Security Council for the next six months.
“This means that issues will be raised at the UN Security Council in line with international law and in favor of the Serb people—both concerning Kosovo and Metohija and Republika Srpska,” Deđanski noted.
He also stressed the importance of Russia’s recognition that Dodik enjoys the highest trust among the citizens of Republika Srpska, something that cannot be altered by any kind of political engineering.
“The West likes to manipulate public opinion when it dislikes what the people think of them. Russia’s guarantee once again proves that it is our closest ally, standing by Serbia, Republika Srpska, and the Serb people. That is always an encouragement—especially now, when we see the level of pressure on Republika Srpska and on President Dodik personally,” Deđanski concluded.
Source: RTRS
