Russian President Vladimir Putin made headlines with his arrival in Mongolia late Monday night, marking his first state visit to a member of the International Criminal Court (I.C.C.) since an arrest warrant was issued against him in March 2023. The I.C.C. had accused Putin and his commissioner for children’s rights of the “unlawful deportation” and transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia.
Ahead of the visit, the I.C.C. reiterated that Mongolia was obligated to arrest Putin. However, given Mongolia’s heavy reliance on Russia for fuel, the likelihood of such an arrest was slim to none. The Kremlin remained unfazed by the potential risk. Dmitri S. Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesman, confidently stated, “There are no worries, we have a great dialogue with our friends from Mongolia,” emphasizing that “all aspects of the visit have been thoroughly prepared.”
Upon arrival, Putin was warmly received by what appeared to be a Mongolian military guard, and he spent the night in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, signaling his comfort and confidence in being in the country. Despite the official reception, there was a protest outside the Government Palace in Ulaanbaatar, where a demonstrator held a Ukrainian flag to voice dissent against Putin’s visit.
Personal Take:
Putin’s visit to Mongolia, despite the I.C.C. arrest warrant, underscores the complex geopolitical relationships in the region. While Mongolia’s dependency on Russia makes the arrest unlikely, the local protest highlights the divisive nature of his presence. This visit serves as a reminder of the intricate balance smaller nations must maintain when caught between international obligations and crucial alliances.
