Mongolia has ignored an international arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit, citing the country’s energy dependence. About September 3 stated a spokesperson for the Mongolian government told Politico.
According to the spokesman, Mongolia found itself in energy dependence, which makes it difficult for them to put handcuffs on Putin for war crimes in Ukraine according to the warrant of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“Mongolia imports 95% of its oil products and more than 20% of its electricity from our immediate neighbors, and in the past these supply routes have experienced disruptions due to technical reasons. These imports are crucial for ensuring our existence and the existence of our people,” the spokesman said.
“Mongolia has always followed a policy of neutrality in all its diplomatic relations, as evidenced by our official statements today,” the government representative said.
The spokesperson of the Mongolian authorities also added that Putin’s visit is in keeping with the historical tradition, according to which the heads of state jointly celebrate the anniversary of the victory of the Soviet and Mongolian troops over Japan in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939.
Mongolia is a country with a population of 3.3 million people, located between Russia and China. As the publication writes, the country must maintain a diplomatic balance in order not to alienate any of its neighbors, with whom it has deep historical and economic ties. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine did not change this strategy of the Mongolian government.
Mongolia will likely face prosecution for inaction, a legal expert told the publication, as any member of the ICC is required to act in accordance with court orders.
Prehistory
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As IMI reported, earlier the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called on the authorities of Mongolia to execute the mandatory international arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin and hand him over to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Mongolia has signed the Rome Statute and is obliged to comply with the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued a warrant for Putin’s arrest. This obliges the Mongolian government to arrest the Russian president if he crosses its border. The trip to Mongolia will be Putin’s first visit to an ISS member country.
On March 7, 2023, the Pretrial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Commissioner of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova. They are accused of illegal deportation of the population (children) and illegal transportation of the population (children) from the occupied regions of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Karim Khan, said that the warrant issued by the court for the arrest of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is for life.
Maria Ignatieva, Kateryna Dyachuk
Why did Mongolia refuse to arrest Putin despite the ICC’s international warrant?
Mongolia Ignores International Arrest Warrant for Putin, Citing Energy Dependence
In a surprising move, Mongolia has refused to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin during his recent visit, despite an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes in Ukraine. The Mongolian government cited its energy dependence on Russia as the reason for not taking action against Putin.
According to a spokesperson for the Mongolian government, the country imports 95% of its oil products and more than 20% of its electricity from Russia and China, making it difficult to take a stance against Putin [[1]]. “Mongolia has always followed a policy of neutrality in all its diplomatic relations, as evidenced by our official statements today,” the government representative said.
The Mongolian government also justified Putin’s visit by citing historical tradition, as the heads of state jointly celebrated the anniversary of the victory of the Soviet and Mongolian troops over Japan in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939.
Mongolia’s decision to ignore the ICC warrant has sparked controversy, with Ukraine calling on the country to execute the mandatory international arrest warrant for Putin and hand him over to the International Criminal Court in The Hague [[2]]. The ICC issued the arrest warrant on March 7, 2023, following allegations of war crimes committed by Putin in Ukraine.
The Mongolian government’s inaction may lead to prosecution, as any member of the ICC is required to act in accordance with court orders. A legal expert told Politico that Mongolia will likely face prosecution for not taking action against Putin [[3]].
Mongolia’s decision to prioritize its energy dependence over its obligation to the ICC has raised questions about the country’s commitment to international law and its relationships with its neighbors. With a population of 3.3 million people, Mongolia is strategically located between Russia and China, and its government must maintain a delicate balance in its diplomatic relations to avoid alienating either country.
The ICC’s arrest warrant for Putin is a significant Development in the international community’s efforts to hold the Russian leader accountable for his actions in Ukraine. However, Mongolia’s refusal to act on the warrant highlights the challenges of enforcing international law, particularly when countries prioritize their economic interests over their obligations to the international community.
Mongolia’s decision to ignore the ICC’s arrest warrant for Putin has significant implications for international relations and the enforcement of international law. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of holding leaders accountable for their actions, Mongolia’s actions will be closely watched, and its decision may have far-reaching consequences for its relationships with its neighbors and the international community.
References:
[1] Ukraine calls on Mongolia to arrest Putin ahead of visit – BBC News
[2] Russian leader Putin visits Mongolia, defying international warrant – ABC News
[3] Mongolia ignores an international warrant for Putin’s arrest – AP News
What are the implications of Mongolia’s decision not to arrest Putin on its international relations and energy dependency?
Mongolia’s Failure to Arrest Putin: A Show of Energy Dependence and Diplomatic Balance
Mongolia, a country with a population of 3.3 million people, situated between Russia and China, has made headlines recently for its decision not to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit, despite an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) [[2]]. The warrant, issued in March 2023, accuses Putin of war crimes in Ukraine [[1]]. Mongolia’s decision not to act on the warrant has sparked controversy and raised questions about the country’s commitment to upholding international law.
Energy Dependence: A Major Concern
According to a spokesperson for the Mongolian government, the country’s energy dependence on its immediate neighbors, Russia and China, played a significant role in its decision not to arrest Putin [[1]]. Mongolia imports 95% of its oil products and over 20% of its electricity from these countries, making it difficult for the government to take action against Putin [[1]]. The spokesperson emphasized that these imports are crucial for ensuring the country’s existence and the well-being of its people.
Diplomatic Balance: A Delicate Act
Mongolia’s decision not to arrest Putin can also be seen as an attempt to maintain a delicate diplomatic balance with its neighbors. The country has deep historical and economic ties with Russia and China, and taking action against Putin could have alienated one or both of these countries [[1]]. Mongolia’s policy of neutrality in its diplomatic relations has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy, and the government was keen to maintain this stance despite the ICC’s warrant.
Historical Significance: A Tradition of Cooperation
The Mongolian authorities also cited the historical tradition of cooperation between the Soviet and Mongolian troops during the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939 as a reason for Putin’s visit [[1]]. The country’s decision to host Putin’s visit can be viewed as an attempt to maintain this historical connection and strengthen ties with Russia.
Legal Implications: Prosecution for Inaction
Mongolia’s failure to act on the ICC’s warrant could have legal implications. As a member of the ICC, Mongolia is obliged to comply with the court’s decisions and take action against individuals accused of war crimes [[3]]. A legal expert has warned that Mongolia may face prosecution for its inaction, highlighting the country’s responsibility to uphold international law [[3]].
Ukraine’s Call to Action
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has urged Mongolia to execute the international arrest warrant and hand Putin over to the ICC [[2]]. Ukraine has been a strong advocate for holding Russia accountable for its actions, and Mongolia’s decision not to act on the warrant has been seen as a disappointment.
Conclusion
Mongolia’s decision not to arrest Putin during his visit has sparked controversy and raised questions about the country’s commitment to upholding international law. While energy dependence and diplomatic balance may have played a role in the decision, Mongolia’s failure to act on the ICC’s warrant could have legal implications. The country’s decision serves as a reminder of the complex web of diplomacy and international relations, and the challenges of balancing national interests with international obligations.
