Russian President Vladimir Putin was warmly welcomed to Mongolia on Tuesday, bypassing an international warrant for his arrest linked to alleged war crimes from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This marks Putin’s first visit to an International Criminal Court (ICC) member nation since the warrant was issued in March 2023.
Mongolia faced significant pressure from Ukraine and the European Union, who urged the country to detain Putin. However, Mongolia’s government opted to prioritize its geopolitical and economic interests. The landlocked nation, with historical ties to Russia and China, has struggled to balance its relationships between these influential neighbors and its new democratic partners.
The ICC’s warrant accuses Putin of orchestrating the abduction of Ukrainian children. Although ICC member countries are obliged to act on such warrants, Mongolia has opted to maintain its diplomatic relations with Russia. The court’s enforcement mechanisms are limited, complicating the execution of its orders.
In a ceremonial display of honor, Putin was greeted by an honor guard in traditional Mongolian attire, reminiscent of Genghis Khan’s era, as he arrived in Ulaanbaatar. A significant crowd observed the proceedings from behind barriers, while a small group of protesters was detained by police for attempting to display Ukrainian symbols.
The timing of Putin’s visit coincided with a major Russian military strike on Ukraine’s Poltava region, resulting in substantial casualties. The attack, one of the deadliest since the war’s onset, further heightened international scrutiny of Russia’s actions.
During his visit, Russia and Mongolia signed several agreements, including plans for a power plant upgrade in Ulaanbaatar and environmental studies for a potential hydroelectric project. Putin also invited Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to a BRICS summit in Kazan later this year, which Khurelsukh accepted.
The European Union expressed concerns about Mongolia’s decision, emphasizing the country’s legal obligations under the ICC. Despite this, experts suggest that Mongolia’s reliance on Russia and China for trade and energy makes arresting Putin impractical. Analysts note that the visit demonstrates Putin’s ability to travel despite international isolation, though it also narrows his options for future visits.
Kenneth Roth, former director of Human Rights Watch, criticized the visit as a sign of Putin’s weakened international position. An open letter signed by over 50 Russians, including notable figures like Vladimir Kara-Murza, urged Mongolia to arrest Putin, highlighting the ongoing international debate over his actions.
Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s Security Council deputy secretary, dismissed the warrant as illegal and condemned those supporting it. Meanwhile, in Mongolia, public opinion is divided. Some, like retired economist Yansanjav Demdendorj, view Putin’s visit positively due to historical ties, while others, such as Uyanga Tsoggerel, criticize the visit as a failure to uphold democratic values.
Putin’s recent travels have included visits to China, North Korea, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan, reflecting his efforts to mitigate international isolation. However, his participation in last year’s BRICS summit via video link, due to South Africa’s reluctance to arrest him, highlights ongoing global tensions related to his actions.
Enkhgerel Seded, a student in Moscow, argued that countries with friendly relations historically avoid arresting visiting heads of state, suggesting that Mongolia’s stance aligns with its diplomatic traditions.
As Putin continues to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy, Mongolia’s decision underscores the challenges faced by nations balancing international legal obligations with strategic partnerships.
