President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik described his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Valdai Discussion Club on October 2 as significant, highlighting Putin’s “great understanding” during their conversation. Dodik told Izvestia correspondent Viktor Sineok that the dialogue allowed both leaders to reaffirm their positions and emphasized their “good strategic relations” with the Russian Federation.
The Republika Srpska leader stated that he and Putin discussed regional challenges, including developments in the Balkans and within his entity. He accused foreign forces of interfering in the area and urged Putin to address the role of “certain Western circles” at upcoming Security Council meetings, criticizing their alleged disregard for international law. Dodik claimed both sides recognized the hypocrisy of Western nations when they claim to uphold legal norms while advancing their own agendas.
Earlier that day, Dodik met with Putin in Sochi and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to attend the Valdai Forum. He also recalled his participation in a May 9 Victory Day Parade, which he described as “impressive.” The Russian Foreign Ministry had previously condemned efforts by Western powers to remove Dodik from politics, warning that the decision by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Central Election Commission to revoke his presidential mandate could destabilize the country.
