Ulaanbaatar/Panjab Post
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Mongolia on Tuesday, sparking controversy as he faces an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes linked to the Ukraine invasion. This marks Putin’s first visit to a member state of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since the court issued the warrant approximately 18 months ago.
The Ukrainian government had urged Mongolia to detain Putin, while the European Union expressed concern that the arrest warrant might not be enforced. Despite these calls, Mongolia, heavily reliant on Russian fuel and electricity, has shown no indication of complying with the warrant. The ICC lacks enforcement mechanisms for its warrants, placing Mongolia in a precarious position.
Upon arrival, Putin was met with a ceremonial welcome in Ulaanbaatar. The Russian leader was greeted by an honor guard in uniforms reminiscent of the 13th-century Mongol Empire and proceeded to the Government Palace, where he and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh paid respects at a statue of Genghis Khan.
The ICC has charged Putin with crimes including the abduction of Ukrainian children amid the ongoing conflict that has persisted for over two years. The European Union has voiced its concerns about Mongolia’s obligations under the Rome Statute, to which it has been a signatory since 2002.
Additionally, over 50 Russians abroad have petitioned Mongolia to arrest Putin, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, recently released from a Russian prison in a major East-West prisoner swap.
During his visit, Putin will participate in events commemorating the 85th anniversary of a Soviet-Mongolian victory over Japanese forces in 1939, a significant historical battle involving extensive casualties.
Putin’s Mongolia Visit Raises Tensions Amid International Arrest Warrant

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