Mongolia welcomes Putin despite international arrest warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin received a warm welcome in Mongolia on Tuesday, despite an international warrant for his arrest on war crimes charges.

The warrant, issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 2023, accuses Putin of being responsible for the abductions of children from Ukraine.

Mongolia, a member of the ICC, did not arrest Putin during his visit, citing its need to maintain relations with its powerful neighbors, Russia and China.

The country’s dependence on Russia and China for trade, energy, and security made it unlikely to execute the warrant.

During his visit, Putin met with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and signed agreements on energy and transportation cooperation.

He also outlined plans to develop the rail system between the countries and invited Khurelsukh to attend a summit of the BRICS nations in Russia.

The visit sparked protests and criticism from Ukraine and the European Union, which expressed concern that Mongolia might not execute the warrant.

Human rights groups also condemned the visit, with Kenneth Roth, former director of Human Rights Watch, calling it “a sign of weakness” for Putin.

Putin’s visit to Mongolia is seen as an attempt to counter his international isolation over the invasion of Ukraine.

He has made several overseas trips in recent months, including visits to China, North Korea, and Vietnam.

The ICC warrant has limited Putin’s travel options, forcing countries to consider the domestic and international political consequences of hosting him.

Despite this, Putin remains defiant, with his deputy secretary, Dmitry Medvedev, denouncing the warrant as “illegal” and describing those who would try to carry it out as “madmen.”

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