Ukraine Demands Mongolia Face Consequences for Hosting Putin Amid ICC Arrest Warrant
Ukraine has demanded that Mongolia be held accountable for its failure to arrest Vladimir Putin during his recent state visit, marking the first time the Russian leader has been welcomed by a member nation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since an arrest warrant was issued against him last year. The visit took place despite Putin facing accusations of war crimes, including the illegal deportation of hundreds of children from Ukraine.
Heorhii Tykhii, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian foreign ministry, described Mongolia's decision not to act as a severe setback for the ICC and the international criminal justice system. "Mongolia allowed the indicted criminal to escape justice, thereby sharing responsibility for his war crimes. We will work with partners to ensure that this has consequences for Ulaanbaatar," Tykhii asserted on social media platform X.
The ICC's arrest warrant, issued in March 2023, mandates that its 124 member states, including Mongolia, must detain Putin and transfer him to The Hague for trial if he enters their territory. In anticipation of Putin’s visit, Ukraine and various human rights organizations had implored Mongolia to fulfill its obligation to arrest him upon arrival.
Human Rights Watch highlighted the implications of Mongolia’s decision, arguing that welcoming an ICC fugitive like Putin gravely undermines the principle that no one is above the law, regardless of their power. The organization asserted that the failure to act would not only be a grave insult to the victims of Russian aggression but would also set a dangerous precedent regarding international accountability.
Despite the overwhelming pressure, Mongolia, which relies heavily on Russia for around 95% of its petroleum imports, refrained from criticising Moscow in the context of the Ukraine conflict. On the contrary, Putin received an enthusiastic welcome during his visit to Ulaanbaatar, complete with an honor guard featuring members dressed in traditional attire reminiscent of the great Mongol leader Genghis Khan.
President Ukhnaagin Khürelsükh praised Putin's visit, claiming that it augurs well for the burgeoning relationship between the two nations. He noted that their relations are developing across various sectors, particularly emphasizing energy cooperation, given that Mongolia is strategically located along a planned pipeline route for transporting 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Russia to China.
Putin’s journey to Mongolia follows a series of international trips aimed at alleviating the diplomatic isolation he has faced since the onset of the Ukraine invasion. The Russian leader has also visited countries such as China, North Korea, and Vietnam over recent months, along with attending meetings in Kazakhstan.
As Mongolia strives to balance its relationships with major powers like Russia and China, it has also sought to expand its ties with Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Yet, the decision to welcome Putin raises questions about Mongolia's commitment to its international obligations and the potential ramifications for its diplomatic standing.
Ultimately, Ukraine’s sharp condemnation of Mongolia's actions signals that the repercussions for ignoring ICC mandates could lead to strained relationships for Ulaanbaatar, particularly among Western nations and global human rights defenders. The world watches closely how Mongolia will navigate its geopolitical landscape in the wake of this controversial state visit.
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