The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) responded to recent statements by the United States (U.S.) Embassy, which accused Russia of “malign influence” and threats to BiH’s territorial integrity.
“Russia is not afraid of losing its gas monopoly in BiH. We have repeatedly emphasized that we welcome energy diversification in BiH – in the interest of the citizens of this country, not in the interest of the U.S.,” the Russian Embassy stated, adding that Washington, while accusing Moscow, is actually working to establish its own energy monopoly.
The Russian side accuses the U.S. of “twisting the arms of local politicians” to push a “non-alternative gas route,” further alleging that the U.S. is responsible for “bleeding Germany dry through the Nord Stream explosion.”
“The U.S. Embassy lies when it claims that Russia is threatening BiH’s territorial integrity. On the contrary, the real actions of the U.S. could lead to the division of the country. Statements like the one that ‘history will judge harshly those who place Russia’s interests above the interests of BiH citizens’ represent an open threat,” the statement said.
The Russian Embassy further posed questions: “Does only the U.S. Embassy express the interests of BiH citizens? And do they truly believe that the citizens of BiH will willingly pay several times more for U.S. gas instead of opting for more affordable Russian gas?”
In conclusion, Moscow accused Washington of attempting to eliminate politicians who defend national interests, emphasizing: “The U.S. only loves obedient puppets. They fear open competition with Russia, resorting to sanctions and other unscrupulous methods, such as complicating payments for Russian gas.”
The Russian Embassy agreed with the U.S. side on one point: “History will show who was right.”
This response follows accusations by the U.S. Embassy that Russia is engaging in threats and malign influence in BiH, highlighting the importance of the Southern Interconnection energy project for strengthening the energy security of the Federation of BiH (FBiH), Klix.ba writes.
E.Dz.
