Who Is Ratko Mladić? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Ratko Mladić, born on March 12, 1942, is a Bosnian Serb military officer who became infamous for his role in the Bosnian War during the 1990s. Commanding the Army of Republika Srpska, he was charged with several war crimes, including genocide, during the conflict. As of 2025, Mladić is 83 years old and continues to be a controversial figure in global discussions surrounding war crimes and justice.
His early life, marked by struggles and a passion for military strategy, paved the way for his eventual rise to power. Despite his conviction and sentencing by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), he retains a following among some in the region who view him as a nationalistic hero.
| Occupation | Criminal |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 12, 1942 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Božanovići, Grand county of Vrhbosna, Independent State of Croatia |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Croatia |
Popularity
Ratko Mladić's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ratko Mladić's height is reported to be approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall. While his exact weight fluctuates, he has been described as having a robust physique typical of a military man. His appearance now reflects the impact of age, with gray hair and a signature military-style demeanor.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ratko Mladić is married to his wife, Bosiljka Mladić. The couple has two children together, a son and a daughter. While there have been various speculations surrounding his family life, his relationship with Bosiljka remains largely private and supportive despite the turbulent history that has surrounded their family.
As of 2025, there is no public indication that Mladić is in a romantic relationship outside of his marriage.
His father, Neđa (1909–1945), was a member of the Yugoslav Partisans. His mother, Stana (née Lalović; 1919–2003), raised her three children; daughter Milica (born 1940), sons Ratko and Milivoje (1944–2001), by herself after the death of her husband in 1945 during World War II.
Bosnia and Herzegovina was at the time part of the Independent State of Croatia, a fascist puppet state led by the Croatian Ustaše between 1941 and 1945, installed by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy after having invaded and partitioned the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1941.
Mladić's father Neđa was killed in action (on Mladić's third birthday) while leading a Partisan attack on the home village of Ustaše leader Ante Pavelić in 1945.
Net Worth and Salary
Ratko Mladić's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. Although specific details regarding his salary are not publicly disclosed, it is believed that he had accrued a certain level of wealth during his tenure in the military and potentially from assets and investments held prior to his arrest. However, following his conviction and ongoing legal battles, his financial situation has become more precarious.
In June 2005, The Times newspaper alleged that Mladić had demanded a $5 million (£2.75 million) "compensation" to be given to his family and bodyguards if he gave himself up to the ICTY in the Hague. In January 2006, a Belgrade court indicted 10 people for aiding Mladić in hiding from 2002 to January 2006. An investigation showed Mladić spent his time in New Belgrade, a suburb of the capital.
Career, Business and Investments
Mladić had a long and complex military career. He rose through the ranks of the Yugoslav People's Army before becoming a prominent commander during the Bosnian War. His actions during this period led to significant international scrutiny and eventual convictions for war crimes by the ICTY.
There are no widely known business ventures or investments attributed to him, especially following his indictment. His military career remains his primary source of notoriety and public recognition.
A long-time member of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia, Mladić began his career in the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) in 1965.
He came to prominence in the Yugoslav Wars, initially as a high-ranking officer of the Yugoslav People's Army and subsequently as the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Republika Srpska in the Bosnian War of 1992–1995.
In July 1996, the Trial Chamber of the ICTY, proceeding in the absence of Mladić under the ICTY's Rule 61, confirmed all counts of the original indictments, finding there were reasonable grounds to believe he had committed the alleged crimes, and issued an international arrest warrant.
The Serbian and United States' governments offered €5 million for information leading to Mladić's capture and arrest, but he remained at large for nearly sixteen years, initially sheltered by Serbian and Bosnian Serb security forces and later by family. On 26 May 2011, he was arrested in Lazarevo, Serbia.
His capture was considered to be one of the pre-conditions for Serbia being awarded candidate status for European Union membership.
Social Network
Ratko Mladić's presence on social media is virtually absent. Due to his criminal convictions and the stigma surrounding his actions during the Bosnian War, he is not a figure that engages with the public through modern social networking platforms.
Mladić began his first post as an officer in Skopje on 4 November 1965, where he was the commander of and youngest soldier in his unit. Beginning with the rank of second lieutenant in April 1968, he proved himself to be a capable officer, first commanding a platoon (May 1970), then a battalion (27 November 1974), and then a brigade.
In September 1976, Mladić began his higher military education at the "Komandno-štabne akademije" in Belgrade, finishing in first place with a grade of 9.57 (out of 10).
Education
Ratko Mladić received his education in military academies throughout the former Yugoslavia. He graduated from the Royal Yugoslav Army Military Academy and later attended the Yugoslav Army Academy, where he honed his military strategy skills and furthered his knowledge in warfare tactics.
In conclusion, Ratko Mladić remains a polarizing figure, embodying the complexities of war, national identity, and justice. His life story reflects a tumultuous era in history, raising ongoing discussions about accountability and reconciliation in post-war societies.
On 25 December 1980, Mladić became a lieutenant colonel. Then, on 18 August 1986, he became a colonel, based in Štip. He finished an additional year of military education in September 1986. On 31 January 1989, he was promoted to the head of the Education Department of the Third Military District of Skopje. On 14 January 1991, he was promoted again, to Deputy Commander in Priština.
