So, on September 3, 2024, Vladimir Putin made a super bold move by visiting Mongolia. This is a big deal because, like, there’s an ICC arrest warrant out for him since March 2023. The warrant was issued because of war crimes related to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, especially the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. Mongolia, as an ICC member, is technically supposed to arrest Putin if he steps foot in the country. But instead of laying low, Putin decided to show up anyway, sparking a total international incident.
What’s the Deal with Mongolia?
Mongolia is in a super tricky spot. On one hand, they’re part of the ICC, which means they’re supposed to follow the rules and arrest Putin. But on the other hand, Russia is, like, a major ally, and Mongolia probably doesn’t want to mess up that relationship. Putin was in Mongolia for the 85th anniversary of the Soviet-Mongolian victory over Japan at the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, which is a big historical event for both countries. So, Mongolia decided to host him, despite all the drama this visit stirred up.
International Reactions Are Intense
Ukraine, not surprisingly, was really unhappy about this. They basically told Mongolia, “Hey, you need to arrest Putin. He’s a war criminal!” The Ukrainian government even released a statement urging Mongolia to comply with their international obligations. They weren’t the only ones upset either. Human Rights Watch slammed Mongolia for not arresting Putin, with Maria Elena Vignoli saying, “Welcoming Putin, an ICC fugitive, would be an affront to the many victims of Russian forces’ crimes and undermine the principle that no one is above the law.” It’s clear that a lot of people think Mongolia should have done something more.
Putin and Russia’s Take on This
The Kremlin, however, was totally chill about the whole thing. Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson, said there were “no worries” about the visit and that everything had been carefully planned out with Mongolia. It’s pretty obvious that Russia sees this as just another way to flex their influence, especially since they’re trying to keep their ties strong with countries like Mongolia, which are crucial allies as Russia faces increasing isolation from the West.
What Could This Mean for Mongolia?
Experts are saying that Mongolia might face some serious consequences for hosting Putin without arresting him. Dr. Nyamaa Bat-Erdene pointed out that Mongolia could be risking its reputation as a law-abiding member of the international community. “This visit could have long-term repercussions for its diplomatic relations, particularly with Western nations,” he said. But there’s also the argument that Mongolia’s strategic importance to Russia might protect it from too much backlash. Professor Dmitry Orlov suggested that Mongolia’s location and resources make it a key partner for Russia, and this visit might actually strengthen those ties.
What’s Next?
This whole situation is far from over. People around the world are watching to see what Mongolia will do next, and whether this visit will lead to more diplomatic drama. Putin’s visit could have major implications for how the ICC enforces its warrants in the future, especially when it comes to powerful leaders like Putin. For now, though, Mongolia is stuck in the middle of a huge international controversy, and it’s unclear how they’re going to navigate this tricky situation.
XOXO,
Valley Girl News
