Russia’s Putin Visits Mongolia Amid ICC Arrest Warrant

Mongolia has maintained a policy of neutrality in response to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) request to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing its dependence on neighboring countries for energy.

The European Union (EU), Ukraine, and the ICC have called on Mongolia to arrest President Putin for the alleged “forced deportation” of Ukrainian children in 2023. However, as a member of the ICC, Mongolia has not taken action.

A Mongolian government spokesperson stated, “Mongolia imports 95% of its petroleum products and over 20% of its electricity from neighboring regions. This supply is vital to ensuring the country’s survival and its people. We have always maintained a policy of neutrality in foreign relations, as demonstrated in our statements.”

President Putin arrived in Mongolia at the invitation of his counterpart, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, to discuss the strategic partnership between the two countries. He also attended the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, a decisive victory by Soviet and Mongolian forces over Japanese troops during World War II.

During the meeting, President Putin invited Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to the BRICS summit in Kazan next month, which the Mongolian leader accepted. Mongolia maintains good relations with both Russia and China, having signed the Rome Statute and joined the ICC in 2002.

Russia has rejected the ICC arrest warrant, stating it is invalid since Moscow is not a party to the Rome Statute. Russia also denied accusations from Ukraine and the EU, arguing that evacuating civilians from a war zone is not a crime.