Mongolia welcomes Putin, Ukraine advocates for repercussions
Ukraine has expressed its discontent towards Mongolia for not detaining and handing over Russian President Vladimir Putin to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, as required under international law. The Mongolian government's decision not to comply with this obligation makes it an accessory to Putin's alleged war crimes, according to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry.
The Mongolian government's omission has dealt a significant blow to the international criminal justice system. Ukraine, along with its allies, will take action to hold Mongolia accountable for this breach of international law. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhiy Tychyj, remarked that Mongolia aided Putin in evading justice system. "We will work with our allies to ensure that Mongolia faces consequences for this actions," Tychyj stated.
Putin visited Mongolia on Monday for discussions. He was welcomed at Ulaanbaatar airport by an honor guard. The purpose of his visit is to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the defeat of Japanese forces by Soviet and Mongolian forces. Putin is expected to meet with Mongolian President Uchnaagiin Chürelsuüh on Tuesday, who invited Putin to the country.
Strengthening Economic Ties
Mongolia and Russia have expressed their intentions to boost their economic relations, including the construction of a new gas pipeline from Russia to China via Mongolia. Ukraine had urged Mongolia to detain Putin during his visit. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that all aspects of Putin's visit were discussed and agreed upon in advance.
The International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant against Putin back in March 2023, accusing him of responsibility for the deportation of Ukrainian children and forced migration of Ukrainians to the Russian Federation. The Kremlin dismissed the charges as politically motivated.
This is Putin's first visit to a country that is a member of the ICC since he launched the invasion of Ukraine. Mongolia is trying to maintain a neutral stance in its relationships with major powers China and Russia, as well as the West. Mongolia's economy is also heavily reliant on Russian resources. By making this trip, Putin seeks to demonstrate his global influence and assert that he is not isolated on the international stage despite the ongoing conflict.
Following Ukraine's call for Mongolia to detain Putin during his visit, the Russian President instead received a warm welcome in Mongolia. In light of Ukraine's The attack on Ukraine and Putin's alleged war crimes, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry views Mongolia's decision not to comply as a form of assistance to Putin's evasion of justice.
