A Russian ambassador on Thursday said Bosnia and Herzegovina could face the same military aggression unleashed on Ukraine if the country joins NATO. Igor Kalbukhov made the remarks during an interview with broadcaster FTV on Thursday.

He noted that the country is free to join the 30-member alliance but that Moscow would respond, Euractiv reported. “If (Bosnia and Herzegovina) decides to be a member of any alliance, that is an internal matter,” he said. “Our response is a different matter. Ukraine’s example shows what we expect.

Should there be any threat, we will respond.” Kalbukhov then accused the West of stoking division and tensions by claiming Russia is preparing “a plan.” “We do not have any plans. We will respond having analyzed the strategic and geopolitical situation,” the ambassador said. NATO membership is not a reality for BiH given the current lack of consensus on the matter in the country, he added.

“Ukraine’s example shows what we expect. Should there be any threat, we will respond.” He went on to accuse Western allies of fuelling tensions with the aspiring Nato member in suggesting Moscow had hatched a “plan” to hit back at the country.

“We do not have any plans,” Mr. Kalbukhov added, echoing previous comments made by the Kremlin about having “no plans” to conduct an offensive on neighboring Ukraine. The US embassy in Sarajevo has since condemned the comments made by the Russian ambassador and reiterated their continued support for the country.