Ukraine criticizes Mongolia for not arresting Putin during visit

Ukraine has expressed strong disapproval of Mongolia's decision not to arrest Vladimir Putin during his recent visit, which marked his first trip to an International Criminal Court (ICC) member state since an arrest warrant was issued against him in March 2023. The warrant accuses Putin of war crimes, specifically the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhii, stated that Mongolia's actions represent a significant setback for the ICC and international justice, suggesting that the country shares responsibility for Putin's alleged crimes. Mongolia, which heavily relies on Russia for its petroleum needs, has historically maintained a neutral stance regarding Moscow's actions in Ukraine. Prior to Putin's arrival, various human rights organizations urged Mongolia to fulfill its ICC obligations by detaining him. However, the Mongolian government welcomed Putin with a ceremonial reception, indicating a preference for diplomatic relations over compliance with international law. The visit is expected to enhance energy cooperation between Russia and Mongolia, particularly concerning a pipeline project aimed at transporting natural gas to China. This development underscores Mongolia's strategic position between two major powers, Russia and China, as it seeks to balance its foreign relations while also engaging with other nations like Japan and the US. Putin's trip to Mongolia is part of a broader effort to counteract his international isolation following the invasion of Ukraine, as he has made several recent visits to countries that have not condemned his actions. The lack of arrest during this visit raises questions about the effectiveness of the ICC and the commitment of its member states to uphold international justice.