Putin’s Red-Carpet Welcome in Mongolia Amidst ICC Warrant
Russian President Vladimir Putin embarked on a visit to Mongolia on Tuesday, receiving a red-carpet welcome despite an international warrant for his arrest on war crimes charges stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This marked Putin’s first visit to a member nation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since the warrant was issued in March 2023.
Mongolia’s Dilemma
The warrant placed the Mongolian government in a precarious position. After decades of communist rule and close ties with the Soviet Union, Mongolia transitioned to democracy in the 1990s and established relations with the United States, Japan, and other partners. However, the landlocked country remains economically reliant on its larger neighbors, Russia and China. **ICC Obligations vs. Diplomatic Ties** The ICC has accused Putin of involvement in the abduction of children from Ukraine. Member countries are obligated to detain suspects if a warrant has been issued. However, Mongolia faces the challenge of balancing its obligations to the ICC with its diplomatic ties with Russia.
Protest and Police Response
Despite the official welcome, there were protests against Putin’s visit. A group attempting to unfurl a Ukrainian flag before the ceremony was detained by police. Others held an anti-Putin banner and Ukrainian flag nearby but dispersed upon hearing about the arrests.
Casualties in Ukraine
As Putin was welcomed in Mongolia, Russian forces attacked a military training facility and nearby hospital in Ukraine, resulting in at least 50 deaths and over 200 injuries. This strike ranks among the deadliest by Russian forces since the invasion began in February 2022.
Agreements and Bilateral Ties
During his visit, Mongolia and Russia signed agreements to design and study a power plant upgrade in Ulaanbaatar and to ensure the supply of Russian aviation fuel to Mongolia. An environmental study agreement was also signed regarding a river where Mongolia plans to build a hydroelectric plant that Russia fears could pollute Lake Baikal on the Russian side. Putin also proposed developing the rail system between the two countries.
BRICS Summit Invitation
Putin invited Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to attend the BRICS nations summit in Kazan, Russia, in late October. Ukhnaa accepted the invitation, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.
International Concerns
The European Union expressed concern that Mongolia may not execute the ICC warrant. Director of democratic resilience at the Center for European Policy Analysis, Sam Greene, suggested that while Mongolia is unlikely to arrest Putin, the warrant narrows his travel possibilities and forces potential host countries to consider political consequences.
Reception in Mongolia
Some Mongolians welcomed Putin’s visit, citing Russia’s role in helping Mongolia gain independence from Japan in 1939. Others condemned Putin, accusing him of humiliating Mongolia on the world stage.
Putin’s Global Travels
Putin’s visit to Mongolia is part of a series of overseas trips he has made in recent months to counter international isolation due to the Ukraine invasion. He has visited China, North Korea, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan, among others.
Precedence and Diplomatic Immunity
South Africa’s experience in 2015, when it did not arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir during an African Union summit, suggests that countries with friendly relations may not arrest heads of state on official visits. However, some Mongolians believe that Mongolia’s international obligations should prevail in this case.
