Mongolia's dilemma: Why Putin's arrest warrant went unheeded
Mongolia refused to arrest Vladimir Putin during the Russian leader's visit based on the International Criminal Court's warrant. A government spokesperson issued a statement expressing regret that the verdict could not be enforced.
Mongolia is the first signatory country to the Rome Statute that Putin visited after the ICC issued a warrant for his arrest in March 2023 for war crimes involving the unlawful deportation of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia.
In a statement to Politico, a Mongolian government official said the country is energy dependent. This was cited as the reason why executing the ICC warrant was impossible.
The government apologizes and explains
"Mongolia imports 95 percent of its petroleum products and over 20 percent of its electricity from our neighbours. These supplies are crucial for ensuring our existence and the existence of our people," the spokesperson explained.
He added that Mongolia has always maintained neutrality in its diplomatic relations.
An uncomfortable position
Politico experts indicate that Mongolia's geographic location can be troublesome. Sandwiched between Russia and China, the country depends entirely on its powerful neighbours.
This position has forced Mongolia into diplomatic gymnastics for centuries to maintain good relations with Russia and China. The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has not changed this, experts note.
Mongolia failed to meet obligations
However, legal experts point out that every ICC member, including Mongolia, is obligated to act in accordance with the court's warrants. Despite that, Mongolia did not comply. A legal expert told Politico that Mongolia would likely face legal consequences for its inaction.
The European Union, Ukraine, and international human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, previously urged Mongolia to meet its obligations.
During the visit, Putin invited Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh to the BRICS summit of emerging economies, which will be held in Russia in October.
A Mongolian government spokesman also added that Putin's visit aligns with the historical precedent of the joint celebration by the heads of state of the anniversary of the victory of Soviet and Mongolian forces over Japan in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939.
