The Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska and Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of East Sarajevo, Prof. Dr. Draga Mastilović, has been awarded a prestigious Russian state honour — the Pushkin Medal.
The decree awarding this honour was signed by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, on 22 October 2026.
The news was officially confirmed by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Igor Kalabukhov. He extended his warm congratulations to Minister Mastilović and noted that the award is presented in recognition of significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Russian culture abroad.
Ambassador Kalabukhov also conveyed an official invitation to Minister Mastilović to attend the award ceremony, which will take place on 4 November at the Moscow Kremlin.
The Pushkin Medal is the latest in a series of significant honours bestowed upon Minister Mastilović, who has been actively working for years to strengthen international scientific and academic cooperation between the Republic of Srpska and the Russian Federation.
“It is an exceptional honour and privilege to receive such a prestigious state distinction from the Russian Federation. I regard this award not merely as a personal achievement, but as recognition of our academic community and all the institutions of the Republic of Srpska that work tirelessly to strengthen international cooperation. Science and education have always been the strongest bridges between peoples, and the Pushkin Medal provides further encouragement to intensify our efforts to develop joint projects, enhance the exchange of knowledge, and nurture the deep cultural and historical ties that unite our peoples.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, for this high honour, as well as to Ambassador Igor Kalabukhov for his warm congratulations and support,” Minister Mastilović stated.