Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin presented the Pushkin Medal, a prestigious state decoration of the Russian Federation, to Draga Mastilović, Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of Republika Srpska, at a ceremony held today in the Moscow Kremlin.
The award was conferred on Minister Mastilović by a decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated October 22, 2026, in recognition of his significant contribution to preserving and promoting Russian culture abroad.
Recognition of cultural, scientific and academic cooperation
The Pushkin Medal recognizes Minister Mastilović’s longstanding commitment to developing and strengthening cultural, scientific and academic ties between Republika Srpska and the Russian Federation.
The decoration also acknowledges his contribution to expanding cooperation between educational and scientific institutions and fostering the traditionally close relations between the Serb and Russian peoples.
On receiving the award, Mastilović emphasized that he regarded the recognition not only as a personal honor but also as an acknowledgment of the academic community and institutions of Republika Srpska, which have worked for years to develop international cooperation and strengthen friendly relations.
He added that science and education represent lasting bridges connecting nations.
For Mastilović, the decoration also represents an additional responsibility and encouragement to continue developing joint scientific and academic projects, improving the exchange of knowledge and experience, and preserving the historical and cultural ties between the Serb and Russian peoples.
Mastilović thanks Putin and Russian Ambassador Kalabukhov
“It is an exceptional honor and privilege to receive this great recognition from the hands of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, the greatest statesman of our time, whose political authority and historical role are of particular significance in the contemporary world.
“I regard this award as a great personal honor, but also as confirmation of the friendly relations and successful cooperation between Republika Srpska and the Russian Federation.
“I sincerely thank President Putin for this honor, as well as Russian Ambassador to BiH Igor Kalabukhov for his support and commitment to strengthening our relations,” Minister Mastilović stated.
Source: RTRS
