A panel of judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC) condemned Mongolia for not arresting Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to the country last month. Putin's visit marked the first time a head of state visited a member state of the ICC after an arrest warrant was issued against him last year for war crimes, specifically for the abduction of children in Ukraine. Although Russia is not a member of the ICC, Putin is personally accused of these actions.
The ICC emphasized that member states and those accepting its jurisdiction are obligated to arrest and surrender individuals wanted by the court, regardless of their position or nationality. The court has charged Putin with the illegal deportation of children and their transfer from Ukraine to Russia. During Putin's visit to Mongolia, Mongolian authorities chose to honor him with a solemn reception, instead of detaining him as required by the ICC's order.
Before the visit, Ukraine had urged Mongolia to comply with the arrest warrant issued by the ICC. The European Union expressed its concern over Mongolia's lack of action. Due to Mongolia's lack of cooperation, the ICC decided to refer the matter to the Assembly of States Parties, the court's supervisory body, which will meet in December in The Hague to address this case and take appropriate measures.