Putin Invites Mongolia to Upcoming BRICS Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, scheduled for October 22-24. This visit marks Putin's first trip to an International Criminal Court member state since an arrest warrant was issued against him in March 2023 for alleged war crimes related to the Ukraine conflict. Khurelsukh accepted the invitation during their meeting in Ulaanbaatar, where discussions also included enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations. Putin's visit coincided with the 85th anniversary of the Soviet-Mongolian victory over Japan, a significant event for both countries. Experts note that Mongolia's reluctance to arrest Putin, despite its ICC membership, reflects its economic dependencies on Russia and China. The potential discussion of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, set to run through Mongolia, adds another layer to the bilateral talks.