Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Mongolia marked his first official visit to an International Criminal Court (ICC) member since a warrant was issued for his arrest last year. Despite calls from Ukraine, the West, and rights groups for his detention, Mongolia did not comply with the arrest warrant.
Amidst accusations of “war crimes” from Ukraine, Mr. Putin was welcomed with a grand reception in Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia, a vibrant democracy caught between Russia and China, maintains close cultural connections with Russia and a crucial trading relationship with China. It has refrained from condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine and has stayed neutral in UN votes on the matter.
The visit, coinciding with the 85th anniversary of a historic victory against Imperial Japan, includes discussions on various economic and industrial projects between Mongolia and Russia. Despite calls for his arrest, Mongolia’s government has not commented on the matter, while Amnesty International raises concerns about the ICC’s legitimacy.
Protests against Putin’s visit also took place in Mongolia, underscoring the controversy surrounding his presence in the country.