Podžić: We have serious hybrid actions by Russia in BiH, we will defend ourselves

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - What will the declarative support of the NATO Alliance for Bosnia and Herzegovina look like in practice? Will NATO send weapons, as well as military forces to BiH? What will be the response in case of a Russian veto on the extension of the Althea mission in BiH? The Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sifet Podžić, spoke about numerous security dilemmas for N1, recalling the conclusions of the NATO summit held in Madrid at the end of June.

From Madrid, Podžić already stated that a strong response to a possible Russian veto for EUFOR is being prepared, and that it was also emphasized that BiH is considered part of a unified European security structure. Today, he did not hide his satisfaction with the summit's outcome on N1.

“I am extremely satisfied with the NATO summit in Madrid and what was promised to us. Strike while the iron is hot, and I was very proactive and organized many meetings immediately afterwards to operationalize the things decided in Madrid,” Podžić stated.

However, it is quite clear that Ukraine remains a priority for the Alliance, so Podžić briefly adds that “we cannot be completely sure that the things promised for BiH will not need to be directed elsewhere.”

In what way will the allies' support for Bosnia and Herzegovina be manifested?

While the Minister of Security assures that joining NATO remains a priority that Bosnia and Herzegovina will work hard on, the possibility of blockades has long put a question mark on the entire process.

“NATO reacts to internal blockades by helping in other ways when they see that people have the desire to progress on that path, when they see that our soldiers achieve excellent results in those missions and who have paved the way for me to seek help from allies,” says Podžić.

When asked by N1 how such assistance should look, and whether NATO would send soldiers to BiH in case of an attempt to violate territorial integrity, Podžić answers affirmatively.

“Yes, I am firmly convinced that they will. This is also one of my concerns that I raised at the summit in Madrid. And I received a promise. In case of a veto on the EUFOR mission in BiH in November, the allies have an answer. This was firmly promised to me, and I returned to BiH with satisfaction regarding this issue,” Podžić recalls.

Podžić also mentions yesterday's visit of one of the Alliance's highest military officials, Rob Bauer, to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a firm commitment to implementing the conclusions adopted by NATO in Madrid.

What can be expected from Russia in such circumstances?

In the context of the country's entry into NATO, the BiH public has not yet forgotten the threats of Russian Ambassador Igor Kalabuhov.

“Russia is already reacting in BiH. We have serious hybrid actions by Russia in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will defend ourselves, and most importantly – we will not be alone,” Podžić answers.

However, Podžić did not specify how or whether the citizens of BiH would directly feel it.

“There could be gas cutoffs. We are too far from the Ukrainian front to have attacks. But special operations have already begun and are being felt. Hybrid warfare by Russia is widespread in the Western Balkans. Due to the scale of the attacks, it was stated at the summit in Madrid that it is possible for the Alliance to apply Article 5 of the Defense Treaty, which implies collective defense of allies and their partners,” Podžić told N1.

One of the conclusions of the summit in Madrid is that the alliance's eastern border will be strengthened almost tenfold, so Podžić claims that the Russians will not be able to move further than Ukraine so easily.