Milorad Dodik, the leader of the Serbian nationalist party SNSD, has confirmed his invitation to the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast. In an interview with the Serbian publication “Politika,” Dodik expressed his support for former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that prior to Trump’s presidency, the international community was largely against Serbs, particularly in the entity of Republika Srpska.
Dodik articulated his belief that Trump’s leadership has brought about a shift in geopolitical relations. He remarked, “The world before Trump was absolutely against us Serbs in general, especially in RS, and we opposed that world by supporting Trump in his efforts to introduce some innovations into geopolitical relationships.” His comments underscore the significance of Trump’s policies in fostering a more favorable environment for Serbian interests.
The SNSD leader also highlighted his longstanding support for Trump during both of his presidential terms, noting that this support has contributed to a “relaxation of our relations,” which he believes is currently being experienced. Dodik stated, “I have supported Trump in both mandates, and that did not go unnoticed.”
In discussing the political landscape in Serbia, Dodik emphasized the importance of President Aleksandar Vučić’s position for the country’s future. He noted that Vučić’s governance is vital for stabilizing Serbia amidst a turbulent global order. “The question of being or not being for Serbia in the next ten years is Vučić’s position in power,” he explained, adding that he sees no disagreements—strategic, operational, or daily—with Vučić. Dodik asserted that Vučić is acting sincerely in the best interest of Serbia.
It is worth mentioning that Dodik was previously on a U.S. sanctions list, but significant lobbying efforts coinciding with Trump’s election led to his removal from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list. This change has allowed Dodik and his associates to engage more freely with U.S. officials and institutions.
As the National Prayer Breakfast approaches, Dodik’s participation underscores the evolving dynamics between Serbian leadership and U.S. political figures, reflecting broader geopolitical shifts.
