Participation of Russia

The participation of Russia was considered very important for the success of IFOR's mission. It was also a further step in the evolving cooperative relationship between NATO and Russia.

Special arrangements were made for the Russian forces. They operated under the tactical control of the multinational divisional commander in Tuzla, but they were under the operational control of General Joulwan, through Col. General Leontii Shevtsov as his Russian deputy. Furthermore, the Alliance was prepared to conduct special consultations with Russia at the political level in keeping with NATO's commitment to close, cooperative and far-reaching relations with Russia.