Putin Touches Down in Mongolia Amid Controversy
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Mongolia on Tuesday, September 3, defying an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued last year. This marks his first visit to an ICC member nation since the Hague-based court found him guilty of illegally deporting Ukrainian children during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Mongolia’s support despite Western pressure
Despite strong calls from the West and Ukraine urging Mongolia to detain the visiting president, Putin was received with an honor guard the night before he arrived. Ahead of the visit, the ICC reminded Mongolia of its “obligation” to detain those sought by the court. On Monday, September 2, Kyiv accused Mongolia of “sharing responsibility” for Putin’s “war crimes.”
Local protests against Putin’s visit
In Mongolia, small protests have been organized to oppose Putin’s visit. Demonstrators gathered at Sukhbaatar Square, the capital’s central Genghis Khan Square, holding signs that read, “Get War Criminal Putin out of here.” Another protest is planned for Tuesday.
Legal implications: Will Mongolia face prosecution?
The question remains: Will Mongolia face prosecution for not arresting Putin? Even if Ulaanbaatar doesn’t comply with the ICC warrant, there’s little that can be done to punish the East Asian nation.
However, Tamás Hoffmann, a senior research fellow at the Institute for Legal Studies, told Politico that the International Criminal Court will most certainly prosecute Mongolia for breaching its duty of cooperation.
“The ICC may then refer the case to the Assembly of Parties, which could condemn Mongolia’s violation under a so-called non-compliance procedure. However, there are no serious consequences, such as sanctions, for the offending country,” Hoffman claimed.
Mongolia enjoys strong cultural ties with Moscow and has promoted relationships with both Russia and China since the collapse of the Soviet Union. This balancing act has been crucial for Mongolia’s foreign policy.
Amnesty International’s warning
Meanwhile, Amnesty International stated on Monday that the ICC’s legitimacy would be severely harmed if Mongolia fails to detain Putin. This stance underscores the broader implications for international law and the enforcement of justice.