Officially Extending a Warm Welcome in Mongolia Amidst ICC's Issuance of an Arrest Warrant for Putin
Vladimir Putin, with a warrant for his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC), was received by Mongolian President Uchnaagiin Chüreslsüch in Ulan Bator. Despite this, Putin made an appearance on Monday evening. The extravagant event in the city's central square saw Mongolian hosts showcasing soldiers in traditional attire and on horseback. It's worth noting that this is Putin's first visit to an ICC member state since the arrest warrant was issued against him in March 2023.
Putin had plans to take part in Tuesday's festivities commemorating the 85th anniversary of Soviet and Mongolian forces triumphing over Japan.
Mongolia signed the Rome Statute of the ICC in 2000, and subsequently ratified it in 2002. This treaty binds signatory nations to apprehend individuals for whom an ICC arrest warrant has been issued. However, the Kremlin had previously expressed that Putin had no apprehensions regarding a potential arrest in Mongolia.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023, asserting that there was sufficient evidence to suggest Putin's involvement in the war crime of illegally deporting Ukrainian children to Russia. The Ukrainian administration alleges that Russian authorities have transported thousands of children from Ukrainian orphanages and other state institutions to Russia, from regions under their control.
Despite the ICC's warrant for his arrest, many considered Putin's visit to Mongolia as an opportunity to witness the most beautiful display of Mongolian culture and history. Even if Putin was not arrested during his visit, the prospect of potentially being in a country bound by the Rome Statute of the ICC added an interesting layer to his planned participation in Tuesday's festivities.
