Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Mongolia on September 3, 2024, making it his first trip to an International Criminal Court (ICC) member state since the court issued an arrest warrant against him in March 2023.
The Kremlin confirmed the visit, during which Putin will hold discussions with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, along with other key officials, including Parliament Speaker Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan and Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai.
The visit marks the 85th anniversary of the joint Soviet-Mongolian victory over Japanese forces at the Khalkhin Gol River in 1939. During his stay, Putin and Mongolian leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations and sign agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes linked to the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. As an ICC member, Mongolia is technically required to detain individuals with ICC warrants if they enter its territory.
However, reports suggest that Russia and Mongolia may have reached an understanding to prevent any arrest during Putin’s visit.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed concerns about Putin’s safety in Mongolia, stating there are “no worries” and emphasizing the strong relationship between the two nations. He reiterated that Russia does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction and considers the warrant against Putin “null and void.”
Putin’s visit to Mongolia raises important questions about international law and the enforcement of ICC warrants. While Mongolia is obligated by its ICC membership, the lack of enforcement mechanisms has historically led to situations where countries have not detained individuals under ICC warrants, such as the case of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who was not arrested during a 2015 visit to South Africa despite an ICC warrant for his arrest.
