Senators and Representatives called on the Trump administration to reinstate sanctions on Dodik

(Patria) - A group of American senators and representatives called on the US administration to reintroduce sanctions on former RS president Milorad Dodik and his associates due to their continued actions undermining the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, writes N1.

The letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was sent by high-ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen and Senators Chuck Grassley, Roger Wicker, Dick Durbin, Thom Tillis, and Elizabeth Warren, as well as Representatives Mike Turner and Ann Wagner.

They warned that Dodik's continued secessionist rhetoric, coordination with foreign actors, and efforts to undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement risk destabilizing the Western Balkans at a critical juncture.

Therefore, they called on the administration to adhere to the new sanctions enacted in the recent National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

They also noted that the administration's previous decision to lift sanctions against Dodik had emboldened his behavior and undermined US credibility in the region.

"We write with concern regarding the actions, rhetoric, and foreign influence operations of former RS President Milorad Dodik and his associates that have significant implications for the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On January 9, 2026, Dodik, along with current and former RS government officials, organized and participated in a commemoration of RS Day, despite the decisions of the Constitutional Court of BiH regarding the observance of that day. It is clear that Dodik's recent actions warrant continued and close scrutiny.

From organizing and participating in events that the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has declared unconstitutional to amplifying divisive rhetoric and advocating for the RS's withdrawal from the Dayton framework, his behavior directly threatens regional stability.

His interaction with foreign entities to advance independence further underscores the urgency of a US response.

Dodik's ongoing actions, particularly those undertaken by the RS Government, directing lobbyists to promote independence, qualify as sanctionable activity under Section 8335 of the NDAA.

Given that these actions threaten the peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity of any area or country in the Western Balkans, we urge your relevant departments to make appropriate determinations regarding the relevant individuals, in accordance with the law," the letter, which can be read here, states among other things.