Ukraine Urges Mongolia to Arrest Putin Amid Upcoming Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning a visit to Mongolia on September 3, 2024, despite an active arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes related to the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. This visit marks Putin’s first trip to an ICC member state since the warrant was issued in March 2023. Under the Rome Statute, ICC member countries, including Mongolia, are obligated to comply with such warrants and arrest individuals for whom the ICC has issued warrants if they are present on their territory​ POLITICO  and Voice of America

Ukraine is turning up the heat on Mongolia with an urgent plea that reverberates through the corridors of international diplomacy: arrest Vladimir Putin. Next week, the Russian President is set to visit Mongolia, marking his first trip to a member state of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since that body issued a warrant for his arrest. The charges against him are grave: the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia—a haunting accusation that paints Putin as a war criminal in the eyes of the world. It’s a bold move by Ukraine, one that thrusts Mongolia into the crosshairs of a geopolitical storm, and raises a tense question: will Mongolia dare to detain the Russian leader?

Ukraine urges Mongolia to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin on an International Criminal Court warrant when he visits on Sept.3, but the Kremlin says it was not worried about the trip pic.twitter.com/xAeh1Pa2za

— Gulf Today (@gulftoday) August 30, 2024

The ICC has made its stance clear: as a signatory to the Rome Statute, Mongolia “has the obligation” to comply with the court’s regulations. But international law is never that simple. While Mongolia is indeed bound to cooperate with the ICC, an arrest isn’t guaranteed. There are layers of diplomatic immunity and treaty obligations to consider, murky waters in which Mongolia now finds itself wading. Meanwhile, the Kremlin is projecting an air of indifference. “We have no worries,” Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson, stated confidently. “Our relationship with Mongolia is excellent,” he assured, as if dismissing the very notion that Putin could face any legal threat on his upcoming trip.

#FirstpostAmerica: Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Mongolia next week, his first trip to an International Criminal Court (ICC) member state since the court issued an arrest warrant against him in March 2023 for alleged war crimes in Ukraine | @EKH2016 pic.twitter.com/rya8aPevVZ

— Firstpost (@firstpost) August 30, 2024

Dr. Fadi el-Abdallah of the ICC offered a more nuanced view, acknowledging that while Mongolia is obliged to follow the court’s rules, there are loopholes. Diplomatic immunity, pre-existing treaties—these could provide Mongolia a path to sidestep the ICC’s demands. And if Mongolia decides not to arrest Putin, the ICC has limited recourse. They can issue a finding of non-cooperation, which could lead to diplomatic rebuke but little else. The stage is set for a classic showdown between the ideals of international justice and the harsh realities of global politics.

⚡️JUST IN:#Ukraine urges #Mongolia to arrest #Russian President Vladimir #Putin when he visits the country. #Украина #УкраинаРоссияВойна #Russia #Россия #RussiaUkraineConflict #RussiaUkraineWar #Понимаю #Поэтому #Международным #Абсолютно #Понятно pic.twitter.com/aPvb5A2hja

— WIPE OUT! 🇦🇪🇷🇺🇮🇷🇦🇿 (@mbaschyr) August 30, 2024

The warrant for Putin’s arrest isn’t new. It’s a remnant from last year, when the ICC accused him of war crimes, specifically targeting children in the Ukraine conflict. Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, is also named in the warrant, adding another layer to the narrative of state-sponsored crimes. Moscow has vehemently denied these allegations, branding them as outrageous fabrications and dismissing the ICC’s authority over Russia. Still, Ukraine is undeterred. Its Foreign Ministry isn’t mincing words, reminding Mongolia of the gravity of harboring “a war criminal” and calling on them to act, to make a stand by delivering Putin to The Hague.

This isn’t the first time Putin has had to rethink his travel plans due to the ICC. Just last year, he pulled out of a summit in South Africa to avoid a potential diplomatic catastrophe. South Africa, another ICC signatory, found itself in a similarly tight spot—compelled to arrest Putin but wary of igniting a conflict with Russia. The country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, even warned that detaining Putin could be seen as an act of war. In the end, both sides agreed that Putin would stay home—a mutual decision, they called it, though the tension beneath the surface was unmistakable.

Ukraine has called on Mongolia to arrest Russian President Putin during his upcoming visit, the first to an ICC member state since a warrant was issued against him for alleged war crimes. The Kremlin says it’s not concerned. pic.twitter.com/MRhHLDUsmp

— Evoclique (@Evoclique_) August 30, 2024

Now, it’s Mongolia’s turn under the international spotlight. What will Ulaanbaatar do? Arresting Putin could set off a geopolitical firestorm, yet ignoring the warrant might undermine Mongolia’s standing in the international community. As the world watches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This isn’t just about one man—it’s about the future of international law and the fragile web of alliances that hold it together. The Mongolian Embassy has been silent so far, but the world is waiting, on edge, as a quiet tension builds in the steppes. The upcoming visit could turn into a defining moment, not just for Mongolia but for the entire international order.

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The Kremlin has expressed no concern about the possibility of Putin being arrested in Mongolia. Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson, stated that there are “no worries” about the upcoming visit, citing a “great dialogue” with Mongolia. Meanwhile, the ICC has reminded Mongolia of its obligations as an ICC member to cooperate with the court, emphasizing the importance of upholding international justice​ Voice of America

Major Points

• Ukraine has called on Mongolia to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit, citing an ICC warrant for his alleged war crimes related to the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.
• As a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mongolia is obligated to comply with the arrest warrant, but diplomatic immunity and existing treaties complicate the situation.
• The Kremlin dismisses the possibility of arrest, citing strong diplomatic ties with Mongolia and asserting no concerns about the visit.
• The ICC warns Mongolia of its duty under international law but acknowledges the limited measures available if Mongolia chooses not to comply.
• This scenario places Mongolia at the center of a geopolitical dilemma, balancing international obligations against the risk of diplomatic fallout with Russia.

Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News