Russia begins to threaten Bosnia over possible NATO membership

The Russian ambassador in Sarajevo, Igor Kalabukhov, made the threats by publishing a text on the occasion of Russia's "Day of Diplomacy".

The text stated that Russia could give a proportional response in case Bosnia and Herzegovina joined NATO or any organisation hostile to Moscow.

Here one could argue that hypothetically one could join NATO or the EU with completely different intentions, which have nothing to do with Russia... But let us be realistic - if a notional Brussels or Washington ordered to deploy nuclear systems with missiles aimed at Moscow, a notional Sarajevo, by joining organizations under their leadership, would be forced to do so. So yes, the choice is free, but please do not limit us in the right to respond.

Bosnia is participating in the NATO Membership Action Plan, but has made little progress towards joining the Alliance.

The Russian stated that as long as Bosnia does not take action against Russia, they feel safe.