UK sends military experts to counter Russian influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Britain said on Thursday that it would send military specialists to Bosnia and Herzegovina to counter Russian influence and to “reinforce the NATO Mission and promote stability and security” in the country.

“We cannot allow the Western Balkans to become another playground for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s pernicious pursuits. By fanning the flames of secessionism and sectarianism Russia seeks to reverse the gains of the last three decades in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement.

“That is why we are stepping up support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, answering the call from our friends to help protect the peace they so rightfully deserve to enjoy.”

Two experts in the fight against disinformation and defense reform will work with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and NATO to maintain peace and security in the country, the British government announced. Britain will also provide funds to strengthen cyber security in BiH, making the country more resistant to attacks.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently facing the greatest existential threat in its post-war period, and secessionist leaders are actively working to create further divisions and conflicts. These plans are supported by Moscow as part of Putin’s efforts to undermine both Bosnia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and its stability,” they warned from British government.

At the request of the NATO headquarters in Sarajevo, they state in the announcement, a military expert for combating disinformation from the United Kingdom and an adviser for civilian strategic defense will be assigned to support and train the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The counter-disinformation expert will strengthen NATO headquarters and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ability to resist malign influences – helping to block Russian and other efforts to sow mistrust and undermine democracy in the country and the region.

The new strategic defense adviser will support the country’s defense reform, helping them develop a modern, representative armed force brought up to NATO standards.

For cyber security £750,000

In addition, Britain has announced that it will provide 750,000 pounds for the establishment of an excellent center for cyber security within the University of Sarajevo. According to the British government, this will “strengthen the defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina against cyber attacks – which can harm people inside and outside the country”.

They announced that “the United Kingdom will work closely with the media and Bosnian institutions to equip them with tools for identifying and mitigating the effects of lies and misinformation.”
It was also said that the British Ministry of Defense is currently working with colleagues in BiH to keep the country firmly on the Euro-Atlantic path, developing the capability and resilience that the Armed Forces of BiH need to face security challenges.

At the beginning of June, the Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Selmo Cikotić, requested additional assistance from NATO in “ensuring security and stability in BiH”.

In mid-June, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly announced that BiH is dealing with the most difficult political crisis since it emerged from the ashes of a bitter civil war almost thirty years ago.

“At a time of serious international tension in Europe related to the Russian war against Ukraine, the internal crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina is now causing serious concern in the capitals of NATO and the European Union (EU)”, it was assessed after the visit of the delegation of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to Bosnia and Herzegovina .