Mongolia will arrest Putin?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has stated that Mongolian officials are obligated to arrest Vladimir Putin if he visits the country next week. This would mark the first time the Russian leader has visited an ICC member state since the court issued an arrest warrant for him in March 2023. The ICC has accused Putin of war crimes, specifically failing to prevent the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia during the ongoing conflict.

Despite calls from Ukrainian officials for Mongolia to arrest Putin upon his arrival, the Kremlin remains unconcerned. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov assured reporters in Moscow that "all aspects of the President's visit have been carefully prepared" and emphasized the strong relationship between Russia and Mongolia.

Dr. Fadi el-Abdallah, an ICC spokesperson, emphasized that the court relies on its member states, including Mongolia, to enforce its rulings. As a signatory to the ICC, Mongolia is obligated to cooperate with the court, which includes executing arrest warrants like the one issued for Putin.

The ICC's arrest warrant for Putin, along with another for Russia's commissioner for children's rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, focuses on alleged war crimes involving the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia since February 24, 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Moscow has denied these allegations, dismissing the warrants as "outrageous".

Dr. Abdallah noted that ICC judges will review any instances of "non-cooperation" by member states and report to the Assembly of States Parties, which can take appropriate measures. While the ICC lacks enforcement power and can only operate within its member countries, it expects signatories to comply with its decisions.

Ukraine's foreign ministry expressed hope that Mongolia recognizes Vladimir Putin as a war criminal and urged the country's authorities to arrest him and transfer him to The Hague, where the ICC is based. Last year, Putin canceled a visit to South Africa due to the ICC arrest warrant. As a signatory to the ICC, South Africa would have been obligated to detain him, but President Ramaphosa warned that such an action would be seen by Russia as a declaration of war. Ramaphosa described the decision for Putin to forgo the visit as "mutual".