- Russian President Putin's Presence in Mongolia; Ukraine Advocates for Repercussions
Ukraine has voiced its disapproval towards Mongolia for welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for consequences to be imposed on the nation. Mongolia has supposedly aided Putin, who is sought for war crimes in Ukraine, in evading the legal system, as claimed by Heorhiy Tychyj, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press conference in Kyiv. This action makes Mongolia an accomplice to Putin's alleged war crimes. Putin set foot in the country on Monday evening.
"We will collaborate with our allies to instigate consequences for Ulan Bator," said Tychyj. "Mongolia's refusal to abide by the court-ordered arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin constitutes a significant setback for the ICC and the global justice system," the spokesperson asserted on X.
The arrest warrant became effective last March, in response to Russia's conflict with Ukraine. The Ukrainian authorities suspect Putin of orchestrating the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. The Kremlin leader is scheduled to engage in talks with Mongolian President Uchnaagiin Chürelsuüch on Tuesday, having been extended an invitation by the latter to visit the country. The two aim to strengthen their cooperation.
Russia Stays Indifferent
Mongolia acknowledges the International Criminal Court, yet it fails to apprehend the Kremlin leader during his stay in Ulan Bator. However, Russia views no potential peril towards Putin due to the friendly ties shared between the two countries, as Dmitri Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, indicated. This marks Putin's first visit to a nation that is a member of the court in The Hague, since the commencement of his war against Ukraine.
Mongolia aims to maintain a neutral stance with its powerful neighbors China and Russia, while also maintaining relationships with the West. Given its reliance on Russia's resources, it is improbable that Mongolia would endanger its relations by arresting Putin. Furthermore, Putin intends to use his visit to demonstrate his presence on the global stage, despite the ongoing conflict.
"Mongolia's decision not to honor the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Putin, which is considered a 'significant setback' by Tychyj, falls under the category of 'Other actions' that are causing controversy in the international community."
"Despite Ukraine's calls for consequences, Mongolia, along with Russia, continues to adopt 'Other policies' that deter international cooperation in holding Putin accountable for his alleged war crimes."
