Putin to Visit Mongolia Despite ICC Warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Mongolia on September 3, despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against him for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. This trip marks Putin's first visit to an ICC member state since the warrant was issued in March 2023, but the Kremlin has dismissed the likelihood of his arrest during the visit. The Kremlin stated that Putin will participate in commemorative events for the 85th anniversary of the Soviet-Mongolian victory over Japanese forces and will hold talks with Mongolian President Ukhna Khurelsukh. Mongolia, while a signatory to the Rome Statute, has historically maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict and has not indicated intentions to detain Putin. The visit is seen as an opportunity to strengthen Russian-Mongolian relations amidst ongoing regional cooperation. This visit follows a pattern of Putin avoiding travel to ICC member states, a move that reflects his complex international standing.