Milorad Dodik, leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), said Sunday that his primary goal remains an independent Republika Srpska, the Serb-majority entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that he intends to pursue this through peaceful political means.
Speaking on the RTRS morning program, Dodik stressed the importance of “political timing” and said he would be “disappointed” if opportunities to advance the cause of Republika Srpska’s self-determination were missed. He added that the entity should be freed from external pressures and that he will not abandon his political objectives.
Dodik also criticized what he described as “Bosniak dominance” in Bosnia and Herzegovina and opposition parties in Republika Srpska, accusing them of enabling policies that undermine the entity’s autonomy.
“The people of Republika Srpska have a political right to self-determination, recognized by the United Nations,” he said. “We are not preparing militarily, but we will exercise political will when the moment is right.”
Dodik spoke positively about recent visits to Hungary and Israel, highlighting meetings with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where regional issues and bilateral cooperation were discussed. He said these meetings addressed key geopolitical concerns and affirmed international understanding of Republika Srpska’s position.
Looking ahead, Dodik said he will travel next week to Belgrade, Paris, and Washington, noting that he expects two “very important meetings” related to Republika Srpska’s interests. He also defended the lifting of U.S. sanctions on some officials, crediting support from former President Donald Trump.
Dodik described Republika Srpska today as one of the region’s most sovereign and free entities and emphasized that “freedom is the key to our existence.” He reiterated his aim of a peaceful separation from Bosnia and Herzegovina.