Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Mongolia this week to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Soviet-Mongolian victory in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol.
Did not get Arrested
His visit, however, has ignited international controversy due to the outstanding arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Despite calls from Ukraine and the ICC for his arrest, Mongolia welcomed Putin with open arms. This visit follows an invitation from Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, extended during talks in China in October 2023. Putin’s last visit to Mongolia was in 2019, according ot URA.
The ICC, based in The Hague, issued an arrest warrant for Putin earlier this year, citing allegations of war crimes. The court and Ukrainian officials urged Mongolia, a signatory to the Rome Statute, to arrest the Russian leader.
Risk Expulsion from Rome Statute
The ICC warned that Mongolia could face consequences, including potential expulsion from the Rome Statute, if it failed to comply.
Mongolia, however, assured Russia that it would not act on the ICC's warrant during Putin’s visit. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the trip was carefully planned, with no risk of arrest.
Ukraine condemned Mongolia’s refusal to arrest Putin, arguing that the country is legally obligated to enforce the ICC warrant. The European Union also expressed concern, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international legal commitments.
