Russia has threatened Bosnia and Herzegovina, saying that if it joins NATO, Moscow will reserve the right to a "proportionate response." This was stated by the Russian ambassador to Sarajevo, Ihor Kalabukhov, in a text published on the day of the Russian "Day of Diplomacy".

 "Bosnia and Herzegovina is free to take any step on the world stage. Join any organization - political, economic, cultural, any. If the majority of citizens want it, if it benefits the country, will stimulate development, strengthen ties with other nations of the world - go ahead, we will accept it with sincere joy," the Russian ambassador said.

 At the same time, according to him, the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina should understand that if the country "is part of a bloc whose main goal is the destruction of Russia," then Moscow "has the right to defend itself."

 "You (meaning the actual leadership of the state) must understand that if you join a bloc whose main goal is the destruction of Russia, then we, too, a free country with an independent foreign policy, like Bosnia and Herzegovina, have the right to defend ourselves." - It is indicated in the statement of the ambassador of Russia.

 He added that as long as the country does not take measures against Russia, the latter "feels calm and does not need to strengthen our defense."

 "Here it can be objected that it is possible to hypothetically join NATO or the EU with completely different intentions that have nothing to do with Russia... But let's be realistic - if the conditional Brussels or Washington order to deploy nuclear systems with missiles aimed at Moscow, then the conditional Sarajevo, having entered the organization under their leadership, will be forced to do so. So yes, the choice is free, but please do not limit us in the right to respond. Of course, proportionally," the diplomat wrote.

 The ambassador added that until Russia "is 100% sure of the reality of the vile plans to destroy the country, no one will press the red button."

 NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina are developing cooperation with an emphasis on democratic, institutional and defense reforms, as well as practical cooperation in other areas. The country's cooperation with NATO is outlined in the Individual Partnership Plan. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a member of the Partnership for Peace, having joined in December 2006. In April 2008, NATO invited Bosnia and Herzegovina to start an enhanced dialogue.