The Russian President visited Mongolia for the first time since the ICC’s detention decision earlier this year. Much discussion has surrounded Vladimir Putin’s visit to Mongolia. On Tuesday, under an ICC warrant, he received a warm welcome from President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating President Putin for war crimes, including kidnapping Ukrainian youngsters. Despite the additional warrant issued for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, the Russian President received a warm welcome with pomp and ceremony. His meeting with Mongolian officials was accompanied by mounted soldiers and a band performing martial songs.
However, a few demonstrators held a poster reading “Remove War Criminal Putin from this location.” at Genghis Khan Square. Another demonstration will take place at Ulaanbaatar’s Monument for the Politically Repressed on Tuesday at noon, remembering communist victims. Security guards restricted access to Putin to prevent demonstrations. Ukraine requested Mongolia to arrest Putin before his arrival. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reiterated the demand on Telegram and stressed the importance of following ICC verdicts. Despite joining the ICC, Mongolia has not reacted to these petitions.
The International Criminal Court is seeking President Putin for war crimes, including the forceful abduction of Ukrainian youngsters. Despite the supplemental warrant issued for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s children’s rights commissioner, for similar charges, the Russian President was received with formality. Security restricted access to Putin to prevent protests.
Regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Mongolia has avoided criticizing Russia and refrained from participating in UN discussions on the issue. The country’s reliance on Russian energy and crucial projects, such as the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, reinforces its strategic alliance with Russia. This pipeline aims to transport natural gas from Russia to China through Mongolia. Mongolia’s dependence on Russian energy and economic initiatives highlights its careful management of diplomatic relations amid external pressures.
