Putin Visits Mongolia Amid International Calls for Arrest

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Mongolia on Tuesday sparked international debate as the host country faced pressure to detain him under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issued for alleged war crimes related to the invasion of Ukraine.

ICC Warrant and International Pressure

This visit marks Putin’s first to an ICC member country since the court issued an arrest warrant for him nearly 18 months ago. The warrant accuses the Russian leader of responsibility for the abduction of Ukrainian children during the ongoing conflict. Ahead of his visit, Ukraine urged Mongolia to hand over Putin to The Hague. At the same time, the European Union expressed concerns about Mongolia’s response to the warrant.

Despite these pressures, a Kremlin spokesperson indicated last week that the Russian government was not worried about the arrest warrant. The situation places Mongolia in a difficult position, as ICC member states are legally obligated to detain individuals facing such warrants. However, Mongolia’s heavy reliance on Russia for fuel and electricity complicates its ability to comply with the ICC without facing severe repercussions.

A Diplomatic Challenge for Mongolia

In Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, Putin was warmly received, and a ceremony was held in the central square. An honor guard, clad in vibrant red and blue uniforms inspired by Genghis Khan’s personal guard, greeted him. Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh proceeded up the red-carpeted steps of the Government Palace, paying homage to a statue of Genghis Khan before beginning their official meetings.

Mongolia’s position as a landlocked nation dependent on Russia highlights its challenges in adhering to international legal obligations while maintaining crucial bilateral ties.

European Union’s Reaction

On Monday, the European Union reiterated its concerns that Mongolia might not execute the ICC warrant, stressing that Mongolia, as a state party to the Rome Statute since 2002, has a responsibility to uphold its international legal obligations. “Mongolia, like all other countries, has the right to develop its international ties according to its interests,” said European Commission spokeswoman Nabila Massrali. However, she emphasized that Mongolia’s obligations under the Rome Statute should not be overlooked.

More than 50 Russians living abroad, including prominent opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza, have signed an open letter urging Mongolia to detain Putin upon his arrival. In August, Kara-Murza was released from a Russian prison in a major prisoner swap between East and West.

Commemorating Historical Ties

Putin’s visit to Mongolia coincides with a ceremony commemorating the 85th anniversary of a significant Soviet-Mongolian victory over the Japanese army in 1939. This battle, which took place in the border region between Manchuria and Mongolia, resulted in thousands of casualties and solidified the border’s location, underscoring the enduring historical ties between the two nations.

Putin’s Diplomatic Maneuvers

In recent months, Putin has embarked on a series of international trips to mitigate the effects of Russia’s isolation due to the Ukraine conflict. His travels included:

  • A visit to China in May.
  • Trips to North Korea and Vietnam in June.
  • Participation in a Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Kazakhstan in July.

Notably, last year, Putin attended the BRICS summit in Johannesburg via video link after South Africa, an ICC member, successfully lobbied against his physical presence due to the arrest warrant.

Conclusion

Putin’s visit to Mongolia underscores the complexities countries face in navigating international obligations and bilateral relationships. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the international community remains watchful of how member states of the ICC respond to the growing calls for accountability.