Russia Unconcerned About Potential Putin Arrest in Mongolia

 Russia Unconcerned About Potential Putin Arrest in Mongolia

Russia has expressed confidence that Mongolia will not arrest President Vladimir Putin during his upcoming visit, despite the International Criminal Court's (ICC) assertion that member countries have an "obligation" to detain him. Putin’s trip to Mongolia will mark his first visit to an ICC member nation since the court issued a warrant for his arrest in March 2023, accusing him of illegally deporting Ukrainian children.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed concerns over Putin’s safety, stating that Russia maintains strong relations with Mongolia. When asked if the arrest warrant had been discussed ahead of the visit, Peskov assured that "all aspects of the visit were carefully prepared." Russia does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC.

The ICC’s spokesman, Fadi el-Abdallah, emphasized that signatories to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court, are obligated to cooperate. However, the court has limited enforcement capabilities, relying on member states to comply voluntarily.

Ukraine has called on Mongolia to arrest Putin during his visit, citing the ICC warrant and labeling him a war criminal. The Ukrainian foreign ministry urged Mongolian authorities to execute the international arrest warrant.

 

Mongolia has been a member of the ICC since 2002, and under the Rome Statute, would be expected to enforce the warrant if Putin enters its territory. Despite the ICC’s demands, Moscow has dismissed the warrant, and Putin has significantly reduced his international travel since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.

Russia has also criticized Armenia, another ICC member, for its recent decision to join the court, calling it an "unfriendly step" as it would require the country to arrest Putin if he visits.

The ICC’s ability to enforce its decisions remains limited. Without its own police force, the court relies on member states to comply. In the event that Mongolia does not arrest Putin, the ICC could refer the matter to its Assembly of States Parties, though past referrals have rarely resulted in significant consequences.

Since its inception in 2002, the ICC has issued 49 arrest warrants, but only 21 have led to detentions and court appearances.