Russian President Vladimir Putin received a red-carpet welcome in Mongolia on Tuesday, despite an international warrant for his arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes related to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The visit marks Putin’s first trip to an ICC member nation since the warrant was issued in March 2023, raising concerns from Ukraine and the European Union about Mongolia’s decision to host the Russian leader.
The ICC has accused Putin of being responsible for the abductions of children from Ukraine, and member countries are required to detain suspects with outstanding warrants. However, Mongolia, which remains economically reliant on its larger neighbors Russia and China, has opted not to act on the warrant. The Mongolian government, caught between international legal obligations and its geopolitical realities, welcomed Putin in a grand ceremony in Ulaanbaatar.
Red-Carpet Welcome in Ulaanbaatar
Putin was greeted with full honors in Mongolia’s capital, where an honor guard dressed in red and blue uniforms, reminiscent of the personal guards of Genghis Khan, escorted him to the Government Palace. Accompanied by Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, the two leaders bowed toward a statue of Genghis Khan before entering the building for official meetings.
A small group of protesters attempted to display a Ukrainian flag near the ceremony but were swiftly removed by police. Additional demonstrators gathered nearby, holding anti-Putin banners and Ukrainian flags, though they disbanded after learning of the arrests.
As Putin was warmly received in Mongolia, Russian forces launched an attack on a military training facility and a nearby hospital in Poltava, Ukraine, killing at least 47 people and wounding more than 200, according to Ukraine’s president. This strike is considered one of the deadliest since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Economic and Diplomatic Agreements
During the visit, Mongolia and Russia signed several agreements aimed at strengthening economic ties. These included feasibility studies for a power plant upgrade in Ulaanbaatar and ensuring a stable supply of Russian aviation fuel to Mongolia. Another agreement focused on conducting environmental studies for a planned hydroelectric plant in Mongolia, which Russia fears could affect Lake Baikal’s ecosystem.
Putin also outlined plans to further develop the rail system connecting the two countries, signaling Russia’s intent to deepen its influence in Mongolia. He invited President Khurelsukh to attend an upcoming BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan in late October, which Khurelsukh accepted, according to Russian state media.
International Reactions and Criticism
The visit has sparked criticism from several quarters. The European Union had earlier expressed concerns that Mongolia, an ICC member since 2002, might not execute the arrest warrant. EU spokeswoman Nabila Massrali reminded Mongolia of its legal obligations under international law but acknowledged that the country has the right to prioritize its own international relationships.
Sam Greene, director of democratic resilience at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, suggested that Mongolia’s reluctance to act on the warrant was expected, given its dependency on Russia for trade, energy, and security. “The overriding reason for this trip will have been to show that Putin can travel right now,” Greene said, noting that the ICC warrant has limited Putin’s international mobility.
Kenneth Roth, the former director of Human Rights Watch, viewed Putin’s visit as a sign of weakness. He remarked that Putin could only travel to countries like Mongolia, with a small population of 3.4 million, which exists under Russia’s shadow.
More Read
Despite these criticisms, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the significance of the trip, stating that it was not intended to send a message to Western countries but rather to strengthen bilateral ties rooted in “history and wonderful glorious traditions.”
Domestic Dissent and Historical Ties
While some Mongolians, like retired economist Yansanjav Demdendorj, welcomed Putin’s visit, citing Russia’s role in Mongolia’s history, others were less enthusiastic. Uyanga Tsoggerel, a supporter of the protests, criticized Putin’s visit, saying, “We are a democracy that doesn’t tolerate dictatorship, and Putin is recklessly humiliating and shaming Mongolia in front of the world.”
Putin’s trip also marked the 85th anniversary of a Soviet-Mongolian victory over Japan’s army during the 1939 battles over Manchuria, a historical event that Putin highlighted during the visit.
Putin’s Diplomatic Maneuvering
In recent months, Putin has ramped up diplomatic efforts to counter his growing international isolation over the war in Ukraine. He has visited China, North Korea, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan, all of which have avoided enforcing the ICC warrant. However, his movements are increasingly restricted, as shown by South Africa’s decision last year to discourage him from attending the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in person, forcing him to join via video link.
Despite Putin’s attempts to maintain a presence on the global stage, the ICC warrant continues to loom over his international relations, forcing nations to weigh the consequences of hosting the Russian leader.
