Putin Visits Mongolia Amid ICC Arrest Warrant

Vladimir Putin is set to visit Mongolia on September 3, despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued in March 2023, accusing him of war crimes related to the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has urged Mongolia to comply with the warrant, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reassured that there are no concerns about Putin's safety during the visit, citing strong ties with Mongolian officials. Mongolia, a signatory of the Rome Statute, has reportedly given assurances that Putin will not be detained, easing Kremlin fears ahead of the trip. This visit marks Putin's first to an ICC member state since the warrant was issued, highlighting the complexities of international law and diplomatic relations. Analysts suggest that Mongolia, which is economically reliant on Russia, is unlikely to jeopardize relations by arresting Putin. The visit is officially linked to commemorating the 85th anniversary of a historic battle, further emphasizing the strategic partnership between the two nations.