Russian President Vladimir Putin to Visit Mongolia Amid ICC Arrest Warrant
In a move that has sparked controversy, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Mongolia on September 3, a country that is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This will be Putin’s first trip to an ICC member state since the court issued an arrest warrant for him in March 2023 over suspected war crimes in Ukraine.
According to a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin has been invited to participate in the ceremonial events dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the joint victory of the Soviet and Mongolian armed forces over the Japanese militarists on the Khalkhin Gol River. He will also hold talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and other top officials.
The ICC issued the warrant for Putin’s arrest over his alleged responsibility for the war crime of unlawful deportation of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation. The court has also indicted Putin’s children’s rights envoy, Maria Lvova-Belova, on the same charges, and issued arrest warrants for former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov on charges of war crimes and inhumane acts.
In response to the arrest warrant, Putin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin has "no worries" about the upcoming trip, citing the country’s "wonderful dialogue" with Mongolia. However, the ICC has underscored that Mongolia, as a State Party to the ICC Rome Statute, has the obligation to cooperate with the court and detain suspects for whom an arrest warrant has been issued.
It is unclear whether Mongolia will comply with the ICC’s demands, as the country has not publicly commented on the matter. In the past, countries like South Africa have faced international criticism for failing to arrest leaders who are subject to ICC arrest warrants.
The visit to Mongolia comes as Russia faces increasing isolation and criticism for its actions in Ukraine, which has led to the deaths of thousands of civilians and the displacement of millions.