Putin Visits Mongolia, Defies International Arrest Warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Mongolia on Tuesday, undeterred by an international warrant for his arrest on war crimes related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This marks Putin’s first visit to a member country of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since the warrant was issued 18 months ago. Despite calls from Ukraine and the European Union for Mongolia to detain Putin, there has been no indication that the Mongolian government will comply.

Mongolia, which shares a border with Russia and relies heavily on its neighbour for fuel and electricity, faces a dilemma. Under the Rome Statute, ICC member states are obligated to arrest suspects with active warrants. However, the ICC lacks enforcement mechanisms, leaving Mongolia in a delicate position.

Putin was greeted in Ulaanbaatar by an honour guard in traditional red and blue uniforms, reminiscent of Genghis Khan’s personal guard. Alongside Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, he paid tribute to a statue of the 13th-century ruler before engaging in diplomatic talks. Putin praised the growing ties between the two nations and invited Khurelsukh to attend a BRICS summit in Kazan in October, which the Mongolian president accepted.

A small protest occurred during the visit, with demonstrators attempting to unfurl a Ukrainian flag before being removed by police. Meanwhile, more than 50 Russians, including former political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza, signed a letter urging Mongolia to arrest Putin.

The EU expressed concern that Mongolia might not fulfil its ICC obligations, reminding the country of its responsibilities under international law. However, Mongolian citizens like Enkhgerel Seded, a student in Moscow, voiced their belief that arresting a head of state during an official visit would be inappropriate, especially given Mongolia’s long-standing relationship with Russia.

Putin’s visit coincides with the 85th anniversary of a joint Soviet-Mongolian victory over Japan’s forces in 1939, a battle that remains significant to many Mongolians.