Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a high-profile visit to Mongolia, an International Criminal Court (ICC) member country, despite the court issuing an arrest warrant against him. This visit marks a significant development in the ongoing international tensions surrounding Putin and the war in Ukraine.
The ICC issued the warrant in March 2023, alleging war crimes and the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia. Ukraine has urged Mongolia to apprehend Putin and hand him over to the ICC, but these concerns were dismissed by Putin’s spokesperson. While ICC member nations are obligated to arrest individuals with active warrants, the court lacks an enforcement mechanism.
Putin’s visit comes at a time when Russia is actively seeking to strengthen its international ties. In May 2024, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to deepen their countries’ relationship, focusing on resolving the Ukraine crisis. Additionally, Putin’s June visit to North Korea coincided with the resumption of high-level security talks between China and South Korea after a nine-year hiatus.
Putin’s visit to Mongolia also comes amid a period of intensified military activity in Ukraine. Russia launched a barrage of drones and missiles into Ukraine on the same day as Putin’s arrival in Mongolia. Despite this, Putin assured that the ongoing offensive in Ukraine’s Kursk region will not hinder Russia’s military efforts in the east.
The significance of Putin’s visit to Mongolia lies in the fact that it represents a bold defiance of the ICC’s authority. It also underscores Russia’s efforts to build alliances and navigate the geopolitical landscape, even as it faces international condemnation for its actions in Ukraine.
