Police chase pro-Ukrainian activists during Putin's visit to Mongolia - AP
The visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Mongolia (photo: Getty Images)
Mongolian police detained a small group of protesters before the ceremony at the Genghis Khan statue, attended by Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The activists attempted to unfurl a Ukrainian flag, according to AP.
Five other activists, who had gathered several blocks away from the Genghis Khan statue and were holding an anti-Putin banner and Ukrainian flag, dispersed upon hearing about the arrests.
Putin in Mongolia
Russian President Vladimir Putin began his official visit to Mongolia on September 2.
Despite ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Ulaanbaatar has refused to execute its arrest warrant for Putin related to the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine. Mongolian authorities explained their stance by citing the country's dependence on Russian energy products. The statement did not mention Mongolia's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Members of the European Parliament are urging EU High Representative Josep Borrell to respond to Mongolia's actions if the country does not arrest Putin under the ICC warrant.
The US State Department stated that it understands Mongolia's situation between two major neighbors. However, it has urged Ulaanbaatar to emphasize its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in its dealings with Russia.
For more on why Putin has traveled to Mongolia and why the country is ignoring the ICC warrant, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
