US report finds growing risk of ethnic violence in Western Balkans – POLITICO

The ODNI sees another threat of ethnic violence in pro-Russian Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, who is taking “provocative steps to neutralize international oversight in Bosnia and ensure de facto secession” for Republika Srpska, the entity dominated by Bosnian Serbs.

Dodik has repeatedly threatened to secede from Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is expected to open accession talks with the EU. While declaring the European path “important“, he visited Russia and Belarus last month.

The ODNI expects this behavior to “prompt leaders of the Bosnian (Bosnian Muslim) population to strengthen their own ability to protect their interests and possibly lead to violent conflict that could overwhelm peacekeeping forces.”

The Director of National Intelligence oversees the U.S. intelligence community and serves as the senior advisor on intelligence matters to U.S. President Joe Biden.