Bosnia and Herzegovina “has the right” to decide whether or not to join NATO, the Russian ambassador to the Balkan country has said, warning, however, that Moscow ‘reserves the right to respond’ in such a scenario.
Speaking to broadcaster FTV in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Igor Kalbukhov said: “If (Bosnia and Herzegovina) decides to be a member of any alliance is an internal matter. Our response is different. The example of Ukraine shows what we expect. In case of menacewe will react.
Kalbukhov pointed out that by accusing Russia of “allegedly preparing a plan”, the West constitutes a menace for the security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He said Moscow had no plan in the works but that they “will respond after having analyzed the strategic and geopolitical situation”.
NATO membership is not feasible for the Balkan country given current lack of consensus on the question in the country, it added.
European leaders and NATO officials have nurtured Kyiv with promises to accept Ukraine into the transatlantic alliance, as well as the 27-nation European Union, which would irritate Moscow. However, as soon as Russia invaded son neighbor at the end of February, in what Moscow calls a “special military operation”, all the promises suddenly vanished.
Some of The 30 members of NATO countries provide weapons, ammunition and other equipment to Ukraine, but NATO as organization refused to do so. the organization announced that he will not launch any military action in support of Ukraine, which is a close partner but did not at the time clear perspective of joining.
A senior Ukrainian official previously said during the talks with Russia on ending the war were very difficult, but said there was “certainly place for compromise.”
In a clue of possible compromise, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said earlier that Ukraine was ready to accept security guarantees that stop of it’s long-term objective of NATO membershipwhich Moscow opposes.
