Russia’s President Putin visits Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, Russian President Vladimir Putin was welcomed with an official ceremony during his visit to Mongolia.

According to the Kremlin, Putin began his engagements in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, where he was received by President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh.

During a meeting in a traditional Mongolian yurt, Putin emphasized the ongoing development of Russia-Mongolia relations, highlighting cooperation in economic, political, and humanitarian fields, including education.

President Khurelsukh thanked Putin for his visit and underscored the importance of strong ties with Russia for the Mongolian people.

Ukrainian criticism of Mongolia

Meanwhile, Mongolia’s membership in the ICC has drawn attention. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Georgiy Tykhyi criticized Mongolia’s decision not to arrest Putin, calling it “a severe blow to the international criminal justice system.”

The Kremlin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded by stating that the ICC’s decision and Mongolia’s membership were not a concern for Russia.

In March 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Putin and Russian Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, citing war crimes committed in Ukraine. Mongolia, a signatory to the Rome Statute, is among the 124 member states of the ICC.