Milorad Dodik retains power as allies win Bosnia elections

Milorad Dodik: Milorad Dodik is the president of Republika Srpska, the Serb-majority entity in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and a leading Bosnian Serb politician. He maintains a pro-Russian orientation and has long opposed the strengthening of Bosnia’s central institutions in favor of greater autonomy for Republika Srpska. His political allies’ success in the recent elections has allowed him to keep significant behind-the-scenes influence in the country’s politics. Vladimir Putin: Vladimir Putin is the President of Russia and a central figure in international relations with extensive ties across Europe and the Balkans. He has developed relationships with regional leaders who share aligned foreign policy views, including support for pro-Russian positions in post-conflict states. Dodik’s electoral gains through allied victories further extend Putin’s network of influence in the region. Elections: Dodik’s political allies secured key positions in the Bosnia-Herzegovina elections held on Sunday. International Stance: Dodik, who backs Putin, praised U.S. President Donald Trump in connection with the electoral outcome.