Putin to visit Mongolia amid ICC arrest warrant, Kremlin claims no concerns

The Kremlin's press service reported the information.

The purpose of the Russian leader's visit to Mongolia is to participate in the celebrations dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the victory of Soviet and Mongolian troops over the Japanese Armed Forces on the Khalkhin Gol River.

The press service added that the leaders of Russia and Mongolia will discuss "prospects for further development of relations between the countries, a comprehensive strategic partnership, and exchange views on current international and regional issues.”

"A number of bilateral documents are planned to be signed,” the Kremlin added.

It is important to note that Mongolia signed the Rome Statute in 2000 and ratified it in 2003, making it a party to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and obligating it to comply with its decisions. Additionally, at the end of 2023, Mongolia appointed its first judge to the ICC, and the country's authorities highlighted this as a significant step in "the growth and strengthening of Mongolia's reputation on the international stage."

Putin's trip to Mongolia will be his first visit to a country that has ratified the Rome Statute.

Later, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Kremlin was not worried about Putin's trip to Mongolia.

Asked whether there had been any negotiations with the Mongolian authorities regarding the ICC arrest warrant for Putin, Peskov replied, “Of course, all aspects of the visit were carefully prepared.”

The Kremlin spokesperson also assured that Russia has “an excellent dialog with our friends from Mongolia.”

• On March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Russian Children's Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova.