In the context of the ongoing struggle for independence and economic stability between Russia and China, Mongolia has found itself in the center of attention of the international community after the recent visit of Vladimir Putin. Despite the warrant issued for Putin’s arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Ulaanbaatar received the Russian president with all honors. This caused a series of sharp reactions in the European press, which questions Mongolia’s adherence to international law. The Mongolian authorities did not make an arrest, which became a reason for active discussions of both the legal and economic sides of the event.
POLITICAL writes that a representative of the government of Mongolia said that the country was in a difficult situation due to its energy dependence, which made it difficult to arrest Putin on the warrant of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes in Ukraine.
“Mongolia imports 95% of its oil products and more than 20% of its electricity from our closest neighbors, and these supplies have already been interrupted for technical reasons. This is critical for our existence and the existence of our citizens,” the government representative explained.
Mongolia has always followed a policy of neutrality in all its diplomatic relations, which is confirmed by our statements to date.” – the representative of the government of Mongolia told the publication.
ISS spokesman Dr. Fadi El-Abdallah said BBC, that the member states of the court are “obliged to cooperate in accordance with the Rome Statute”.
“There is a clause in the agreement stating that member states can be released from their obligations if their implementation would lead to a “violation of an already existing contractual obligation” to another state or to a violation of the diplomatic immunity of representatives or property of a third country.
The ICC representative explained that cases of “non-cooperation” by signatory states will be thoroughly investigated, after which the assembly, which is made up of all signatory states, will be able to take whatever action it deems appropriate (against violators).” – it is noted in the edition.
Swedish newspaper South Sweden expresses his concern that the actions of the Mongolian police were directed not against Putin, but against the citizens of the country who protested against his arrival. According to the publication, such behavior is a threat to the rule of law in the international arena. Implementation of the Rome Statute is mandatory for all 124 countries that have signed it, but Mongolia’s inaction in the case of Putin calls into question the functioning of the ICC. Moreover, it is seen as a betrayal of Ukrainian children who are being held in Russia, in violation of international law.
“Officially, Mongolia is a democratic state, but its opposition has practically no influence on state policy. Mongolia is in a difficult situation. It has only two large borders – with China and Russia, and is forced to balance between two totalitarian states. Mongolia’s energy dependence also plays an important role. from her neighbors.
Russia is the source of 95% of oil products imported by Mongolia and which make up more than a third of all its imports.” – pays attention The Diplomat, the leading publication on Asia-Pacific politics.
That is why, according to the publication, Putin was not arrested.
Policy, a Polish weekly, not surprised that the arrest did not take place, since Mongolia is constantly forced to balance between the influence of Russia and China. In such conditions, it would be naive to expect that Ulaanbaatar would risk taking a step like the arrest of the Russian president. Putin obviously understands this and that is why he chose Mongolia for his visit, using this visit to manipulate Western liberals once again.
Latvian edition Independent emphasizes that Russia’s influence in Mongolia has long been limited. Over the past 35 years, Mongolia has developed independently, without Russian interference. Today, the country has an open information space, its population is growing, and English is the main foreign language. Therefore, even if the Kremlin tries to use such visits to strengthen its influence, its traditional tools are no longer effective.
Vladimir Putin’s visit to Mongolia showed how difficult relations between countries can be under international sanctions and political pressure. Mongolia, on the one hand, recognizes the jurisdiction of the ICC, and on the other hand, it is forced to choose economic benefits from relations with Russia. Despite the indignation of the Western media, Ulaanbaatar continues to balance between two large neighbors, trying to ensure economic stability, even at the cost of violating international law.
