Mongolia Welcomes Putin Despite War Crimes Accusation

Russian President Vladimir Putin was greeted with honor guards and red carpets in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, marking his first visit to a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since the court issued a warrant for his arrest last year. Putin’s arrival on Monday night set the stage for a high-profile visit seen as a bold display of defiance against the ICC, Kyiv, the West, and human rights groups calling for his detention. On Tuesday, Putin met with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in Ulaanbaatar’s Genghis Khan Square, also known as Sukhbaatar Square. The Russian leader praised Mongolia’s “respectful attitude” and noted the two countries' alignment on “many current international issues.” Despite the ICC’s warrant accusing Putin of the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children following Russia’s 2022 invasion, Mongolia did not detain him upon arrival. Ukraine reacted strongly to the visit, accusing Mongolia of “sharing responsibility” for Putin’s alleged war crimes. Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin criticized Mongolia on social media platform X, stating that by refusing to arrest Putin, Mongolia had “deliberately jeopardized its international standing.”

The European Union also expressed regret, stating that Mongolia failed to comply with its obligations under the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. Meanwhile, the United States, although not a member of the ICC, acknowledged Mongolia's challenging geopolitical situation, urging the country to continue supporting the rule of law. The ICC reiterated that all member states have an “obligation” to detain individuals sought by the court, though there is little that can be done if a country chooses not to comply. Despite the ICC warrant, there was no real expectation that Mongolia would arrest Putin. A vibrant democracy situated between authoritarian giants Russia and China, Mongolia has maintained close cultural ties with Moscow and a critical trading relationship with Beijing. Many in Mongolia view it as “immoral and improper” to arrest Putin, given the country’s delicate position between its powerful neighbors.

Mongolia, a former Soviet satellite state, has maintained friendly relations with both the Kremlin and Beijing since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The country has not condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and has abstained from related votes at the United Nations. Putin’s visit, held to mark the 85th anniversary of a decisive victory by Mongolian and Soviet forces over Imperial Japan, saw Genghis Khan Square adorned with large Mongolian and Russian flags. The event also featured traditional Mongolian soldiers, some on horseback, and was marked by tight security that prevented planned protests. Despite the crackdown on dissent, a small group of activists had gathered earlier, holding signs demanding “Get war criminal Putin out of here.” Activists who attempted to protest on Tuesday were detained by police but were later released after giving statements. The visit highlights the complex dynamics of Mongolia’s foreign relations, balancing historical ties and regional stability against international legal and moral obligations.