Moscow believes that Serbia and Republika Srpska “will not give in to the Western pressure” to join sanctions against Russia.

Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov told Bosnian media that Belgrade is currently under higher pressure to apply sanctions against Russia, compared to the authorities of Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Hercegovina, who are resisting.

“We hope they [Serbia] have enough power to not give in to the collective Western rhetoric even this time,” said Peskov.

Regarding the traditional relations between Russia and Serbia, Peskov said that Serbia is a sovereign state and Russia has nothing against its relations to western countries. But, according to Peskov, no collaboration with these countries should hinder the further development of the relations between Serbia and Russia.

When it comes to Republika Srpska, Russia intends to continue developing its relations and strengthen collaboration in all areas. Peskov said he knows “the pressure Bosnia and Hercegovina is under from the international community.”

“Of course, in accordance with our capacities, primarily economic, we are ready to support Republika Srpska, so that it has the strength to continuously follow its direction, within the same state in which it is located,” said Peskov.

Speaking of the status of the Republika Srpska inside Bosnia and Hercegovina, Peskov said it’s one of the two entities of the country and should be treated as equal, as the Dayton Agreement foresees.