Dodik, who leads the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), made the comments on Tuesday as he reflected on his latest meeting with Putin.

"I believe President Putin is one of the most peace-loving leaders of our time. I know many European leaders - they are always fiercely opposing something or someone, whereas President Putin, from the very beginning and in all my contacts with him, has of course said that he does not want suffering and does not want war , but NATO's attempt to advance all the way to Moscow had to be stopped," Dodik said.

He described his meeting with Putin as “warm and excellent”, saying discussions covered cooperation between the two sides and other major issues.

"We spoke very easily about the topics you already know about, and we found answers to all the issues that were discussed. The key issue, of course, was our co-operation in all areas. We have a strategic relationship. We speak very openly about all important issues, and we share a common position on the most important matters, such as our support for Russia in the special military operation ( Ukraine conflict) and our wish for Russia to finish this and show everyone that it is undoubtedly a global leader and a global power," Dodik said.

Putin, Dodik and Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minic held talks in Moscow on September 29.