Russian President Vladimir Putin received a ceremonial welcome in Mongolia on Tuesday, despite an international warrant for his arrest on war crimes charges. This marked his first visit to a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since the warrant was issued in March 2023. Mongolia’s warm reception of Putin occurred despite calls from Ukraine and concerns from the European Union about his arrest, reports the Associated Press.
Mongolia’s delicate diplomatic balancing act
Mongolia, historically tied to Russia due to its Soviet-era past, found itself in a challenging diplomatic position. While the ICC warrant requires member nations to detain suspects, Mongolia’s economic dependence on Russia and China influenced its decision to host Putin without incident. The visit also highlights Mongolia’s need to maintain relations with Russia, particularly in light of their shared history and economic ties.
During his visit, Putin and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa signed agreements on energy, environmental studies, and rail system development between the two nations. The visit was also marked by protests; a small group of demonstrators in Ulaanbaatar attempted to unfurl a Ukrainian flag but were quickly detained by police.
Putin’s visit to Mongolia is seen by some as an effort to counteract his international isolation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasised the visit as a strengthening of bilateral ties, critics, including former Human Rights Watch director Kenneth Roth, viewed it as a sign of Putin’s dwindling diplomatic options. Putin’s recent international engagements include visits to China, North Korea, and Vietnam, as he seeks to reinforce alliances amid growing global condemnation.
Putin’s visit coincided with the 85th anniversary of a joint Soviet-Mongolian victory over Japan’s army in 1939, an event celebrated by many Mongolians. However, opinions in Mongolia remain divided. While some appreciate Russia’s historical role, others, like protest supporter Uyanga Tsoggerel, decried the visit, accusing Putin of disrespecting Mongolia’s democratic values.