Putin in Mongolia: Expert explains what awaits country for ignoring arrest warrant
Photo: Putin will not be arrested in Mongolia because he cannot be transported to Hague (Getty Images)
Refusal to arrest the international criminal Vladimir Putin will have negative consequences for Mongolia. However, even if arrested, it will be impossible to transport him to The Hague, states politician, diplomat, and historian Roman Bezsmertnyi in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
According to him, it is necessary to consider the historical context, as this visit is related to the results of the battles at Lake Khasan and Khalkhin Gol.
"We remember that both battles were concluded in September. And Mongolia is essentially framing the visit of the chief, the Moscow Führer. Although, what relation does the then-Soviet Union have to present-day Russia? If we talk about the true context, the Soviet Union actually demonstrated its complete lack of combat readiness there," Bezsmertnyi said.
He emphasized that, following the Rome Statute and the decision of the ICC, as well as the issuance of the corresponding arrest warrant by the prosecutor, Mongolia is obligated to take such action. However, in the current situation, this is being ignored by the Mongolian leadership.
"What sanctions might this lead to? Undoubtedly, it will damage the credibility of the ICC, indicating the international system’s inability to enforce even its own decisions. This will complicate relations between the ICC and Mongolia. Recently, a representative from Mongolia was added to the ICC. Questions may arise about removing both the representative and Mongolia from the list of signatories and ratifiers of the Rome Statute," the expert said.
He stressed that Mongolia's disregard for the obligations it has signed is yet another step towards the destruction of the international order.
In response to the question of what might happen if Putin is arrested, the expert reminded that Mongolia is surrounded—on one side by China and on the other by Russia. "Let's imagine the scenario (if he is detained-ed.)—the question is, how do we transport him further? Through China—won't be allowed, through Russia—even more so; there’s no third route, and no underground route has been devised," Bezsmertnyi said.
It should be noted that Putin’s visit to Mongolia is his first trip to an ICC member country since the arrest warrant was issued.
According to Bloomberg sources, Putin has received assurances that he will not be arrested in Mongolia under the ICC warrant.
