Vladimir Putin arrived on a state visit to Mongolia Photo: Natalia Gubernatorova / AFP
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), arrived in Mongolia on an official visit without facing any legal issues. This has raised concerns among human rights advocates, who warn of potential repercussions for Mongolia if it fails to uphold its international obligations writes Politico.
Under international law, Mongolia, as a member state of the ICC, is obligated to cooperate with the Court and enforce its mandates. Both the European Union and Ukraine have recently reminded Mongolia of this responsibility. However, Russian officials have stated that they are “unconcerned” by Putin’s visit to the country.
The ICC warrant, issued in March 2023, charges Putin with war crimes related to the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories in Ukraine to Russia. Despite this, there are currently no signs that Mongolia intends to arrest Putin.
If Mongolia fails to meet its obligations, it could be held accountable for violating international law. “Mongolia will undoubtedly be pursued by the International Criminal Court for failing to comply with its cooperation obligations,” said Tamás Hoffmann, a senior research fellow at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. However, serious consequences such as sanctions are unlikely.
Altantuya Batdorj, executive director of Amnesty International Mongolia, warned: “Shielding a fugitive from international justice will not only obstruct justice. If Mongolia offers even temporary refuge to President Putin, it will effectively become an accomplice in ensuring impunity for some of the most serious crimes under international law.”
Mongolia, while maintaining close trade ties with Russia, is a member of the ICC, which obligates it to execute arrest warrants. This makes it responsible for arresting Putin should he set foot on its territory.
Despite the ICC warrant, Putin has avoided traveling to member countries for nearly a year and a half. However, in May, he visited China, followed by North Korea in June, and Azerbaijan in August—none of which are ICC members.
