Vladimir Putin's planned visit to Mongolia on September 3, 2024, has sparked international attention. Ukraine has called upon Mongolian authorities to apprehend the Russian leader, citing an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued in March 2023.
The ICC, established in 2002 and located in The Hague, Netherlands, accused Putin of war crimes related to the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children. This accusation falls under the court's jurisdiction, which covers four main crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry stated on Telegram:
"We call on the Mongolian authorities to comply with the mandatory international arrest warrant and transfer Putin to the International Criminal Court in the Hague."
Mongolia, a member of the ICC since 2002, is among the 123 countries that are state parties to the Rome Statute. As such, it is obligated to cooperate with the court's directives, including executing arrest warrants.
However, the Kremlin has dismissed these concerns. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, expressed confidence in Russia's relationship with Mongolia, stating, "We have a great dialogue with our friends from Mongolia." He added that all aspects of the visit had been thoroughly discussed with Mongolian authorities.
It's worth noting that the ICC lacks its own police force and relies on member states to carry out arrests. This dependence on national cooperation has led to challenges in executing warrants in the past.
The situation highlights the complex interplay between international law and diplomatic relations. While the ICC aims to prosecute serious international crimes, its effectiveness often depends on the willingness of individual nations to enforce its rulings.
As the date of Putin's visit approaches, the international community watches closely to see how Mongolia will navigate this delicate situation. The outcome could have significant implications for the ICC's authority and the broader landscape of international justice.