Putin’s Mongolia Trip Sparks Arrest Warrant Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to make an official visit to Mongolia on September 3rd, at the invitation of President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. The visit coincides with the 85th anniversary of the joint victory of Soviet and Mongolian forces over Japanese troops at the Battle of Khalkhin Gol. Mongolia has confirmed that it will not comply with the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Putin, drawing ire from Ukraine. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has demanded Putin’s arrest, arguing that Mongolia is obligated to enforce the ICC warrant as it recognizes the court’s jurisdiction. However, Mongolia has stated that it will not interfere with Putin’s visit. The ICC is reportedly considering potential measures against Mongolia for its non-cooperation. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023 on charges of war crimes related to the alleged illegal deportation of children from Ukraine, a claim Moscow vehemently denies.