Photo: Politico
Mongolia, a country sandwiched between Russia and China, has failed to comply with an international arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin during his official visit. The country’s government attributes the move to energy dependence, which effectively prevents Mongolia from complying with its obligations to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Dependence on energy resources
Mongolia imports 95% of its petroleum products and more than 20% of its electricity from Russia and China, according to a statement from a Mongolian government spokesman provided to POLITICO on Tuesday. This critical interdependence means that any radical action against one of its neighbors can have serious consequences for a country’s economy and the well-being of its citizens. In such a situation, Putin’s arrest could provoke a serious crisis in Mongolia.
“Mongolia has always followed a policy of neutrality in its diplomatic relations,” the government spokesman said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance in relations with Russia and China.
Geopolitical location and strategy of neutrality
Mongolia, with its modest population of 3.3 million, is in a difficult geographical and political situation, being sandwiched between Russia and China, which are not only major trading partners but also the dominant geopolitical players in the region. The government of Mongolia tries to avoid open conflicts and maintain neutrality, which became especially relevant after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
However, Mongolia’s membership in the ICC entails the fulfillment of international obligations, including the arrest of persons accused of war crimes. Putin, who is accused of deporting and forcibly moving children from the occupied territories of Ukraine, falls into this category. Failure to meet this obligation puts Mongolia at risk of international isolation and prosecution.
Criticism from the international community
Despite the government’s attempts to justify its inaction, the international community, including the European Union, Ukraine and human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, have expressed strong criticism. The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Heorhiy Tykhy, called this decision “a serious blow to the International Criminal Court and the international criminal justice system.”
“Mongolia has allowed a suspected criminal to escape justice, thereby sharing responsibility for his war crimes,” Tykhiy said, noting that Ukraine and its partners plan to work to ensure consequences for Ulaanbaatar.
Putin’s visit and historical context
During the visit, Putin invited Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to the BRICS summit, which will be held in Russia in October. Putin’s visit also coincided with the anniversary of the victory of Soviet and Mongolian forces over Japan in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939, adding to the event’s historical significance.
