Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit Mongolia on 3rd September, marking his first trip to a country that ratified the Rome Statute after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him.
The significance of this visit extends beyond diplomatic formalities, as it represents a calculated move by Putin to challenge the authority of international institutions, specifically the ICC, and to test the limits of his ability to operate within countries bound by international legal obligations.
Putin’s visit to Mongolia is ostensibly timed to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, a conflict between Soviet and Japanese forces that took place on Mongolian territory in 1939. The battle has been mythologised in Soviet and Russian history as a crucial victory for the Red Army, and Putin’s participation in these commemorations reinforces his ongoing efforts to draw on Soviet-era narratives to bolster his domestic and international standing.
However, the true significance of the visit lies elsewhere. The ICC’s arrest warrant against Putin, issued earlier this year in connection with alleged war crimes in Ukraine, has made his international movements a matter of considerable scrutiny. This visit to Mongolia, a Rome Statute signatory, is a direct challenge to the ICC’s authority. Putin’s ability to travel to such a country without facing arrest would undermine the ICC’s credibility and could set a dangerous precedent for other international leaders accused of similar crimes.
International Pressure and Strategic Choices
Putin has previously sought to visit other countries that are parties to the Rome Statute, including South Africa and Brazil. Both countries, under considerable international pressure and facing complex legal and political challenges, were reluctant to host the Russian leader. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in particular, was caught in a dilemma during the recent BRICS summit in Johannesburg. He had to balance the legal obligations imposed by the ICC with the political and economic ramifications of potentially arresting Putin, an action that could have sparked a major international incident.
Ramaphosa’s decision not to invite Putin to the summit was informed by a previous incident in which South Africa’s courts nearly arrested Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who was also wanted by the ICC. This history likely influenced Ramaphosa’s decision to avoid a repeat scenario that could have jeopardised South Africa’s international standing.
In contrast, Mongolia, with its closer ties to Russia and a government led by the pro-Russian Mongolian People’s Party, appears less likely to resist Russian pressure. Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, a former leader of the Mongolian People’s Party, which has maintained strong historical ties to Russia, is unlikely to confront Putin or the Kremlin on this issue. This political alignment and Mongolia’s strategic position as a neighbour to Russia make it a more accommodating destination for Putin under these circumstances.
Implications for International Law
Putin’s visit to Mongolia is not just a symbolic act of defiance against the ICC but also a strategic move to undermine the legitimacy of international legal norms. If Putin can visit Mongolia without facing any consequences, it could embolden other states to disregard the ICC’s rulings and invite Putin to international events without fear of legal repercussions. This would weaken the ICC’s authority and could have far-reaching implications for the enforcement of international law.
Moreover, this visit could be seen as a continuation of Russia’s broader strategy to challenge and erode the post-World War II international order, which is based on the principles of sovereignty, human rights, and the rule of law. Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Putin has consistently flouted international norms, and this visit to Mongolia is another step in that direction.
Read also:
Ukraine Requests Mexico to Arrest Putin if He Attends Inauguration
Click here for more News & Current Affairs at EU Today
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eutoday1049
