On September 3, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit Mongolia to attend events commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Soviet and Mongolian victory over Japan at the Battle of Khalkhin Gol. This visit has sparked international concern, as Mongolia is a signatory of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued a warrant for Putin’s arrest in March 2023.
The Visit and the Arrest Warrant: Mongolia’s Obligations
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin due to allegations of war crimes, particularly for the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia. As a member state of the Rome Statute, Mongolia is legally obligated to cooperate with the ICC, including executing arrest warrants.
According to Bloomberg, the Kremlin has received assurances from the Mongolian government that Putin will not be detained during his visit. These assurances have raised concerns among human rights advocates and international observers, as any failure by Mongolia to meet its ICC obligations could have serious repercussions for its international standing.
International Reactions
ICC spokesperson Fadi al-Abdalla stated that the court relies on member states to enforce its decisions. He emphasized that Mongolia, like other member states, must adhere to arrest warrants. If Mongolia fails to cooperate, the ICC may take necessary measures to ensure compliance.
In Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also expressed hope that Mongolia will fulfill its international obligations and arrest Putin if he enters the country. Ukrainian officials have been actively calling for the Russian president’s accountability for his crimes.
Kremlin’s Position and Expectations
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that there are no concerns regarding Putin’s visit to Mongolia. The Kremlin hopes that the visit will proceed as planned without any issues.
Meanwhile, experts believe that international pressure on Mongolia from human rights groups and ICC member states might increase the likelihood of Putin’s detention if he arrives. Observers of international politics anticipate that the situation could create new tensions between Russia and countries that support justice.
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