Russian President Vladimir Putin has embarked on an official visit to Mongolia, where he received a warm welcome despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. The warrant accuses Putin of illegally deporting Ukrainian children to Russia during the conflict in Ukraine. However, Mongolia, an ICC member, has chosen to ignore the warrant and welcome the Russian leader with open arms.
During his visit, Putin met with Mongolian leader Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and attended a ceremony commemorating the victory of Soviet and Mongolian troops over the Japanese army in 1939. Despite a small protest demanding his arrest, Mongolia refrained from taking any action against Putin, who has been described as a fugitive from justice by Amnesty International Mongolia.
This visit comes as both countries seek to strengthen their economic and industrial ties, with Putin highlighting potential projects such as the construction of the Trans-Mongolian gas pipeline linking China and Russia. Mongolia, located between Russia and China, depends on both countries for fuel, electricity, and investment in its mining industry.
The Russian president also expressed interest in organizing a trilateral summit involving himself, the Mongolian leader, and Chinese officials. Putin’s visit to Mongolia can be seen as a strategic move to enhance economic cooperation and maintain friendly relations with both neighboring countries, despite ongoing international scrutiny over his alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
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