
Russian Embassy: Russia is not afraid of 'losing its gas monopoly' in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Russia is not afraid of "losing its gas monopoly" in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Russian embassy in Sarajevo said in response to yesterday's statement from the U.S. Embassy, CE Report quotes FENA.
The Russian Embassy’s statement came after the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina emphasized the need for the country to diversify its energy sources, reducing reliance on Russian natural gas. This suggestion aligns with broader Western efforts to limit Russia's energy influence in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
“Russia has always been a reliable partner for Bosnia and Herzegovina in supplying energy, and the diversification of energy sources is a sovereign decision of the state. However, attempts to politicize the energy sector serve no one's interests,” the Russian Embassy stated.
The statement underscored that Russia’s position in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s energy market is based on longstanding economic cooperation, not monopolistic ambitions. It also criticized what it called “external pressure” on the country's energy policies, implying that such actions are aimed at undermining Russia's role in the region.
The U.S. Embassy, in its previous remarks, encouraged Bosnia and Herzegovina to explore renewable energy options and strengthen ties with alternative suppliers to enhance energy security. This aligns with the European Union’s push for Balkan nations to transition away from dependence on Russian energy amid ongoing tensions related to the conflict in Ukraine.
Analysts suggest that the competing statements from the U.S. and Russia reflect the broader geopolitical struggle for influence in the Western Balkans. Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its complex political structure and diverse ethnic composition, often finds itself at the center of competing interests from global powers.
While the government has yet to issue an official response, the energy diversification debate is likely to remain a key issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s domestic and foreign policy in the coming months.