Written By Lisa Murimi

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, marking his first visit to an International Criminal Court (ICC) member state since the court issued a warrant for his arrest last year. 

The ICC warrant accuses Putin of war crimes, specifically the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children during Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Despite the warrant, Putin was welcomed with a lavish ceremony on Tuesday. 

Soldiers on horseback lined Genghis Khan Square, where martial anthems played as Putin met with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh. 

A small group of protesters gathered, demanding, “Get War Criminal Putin out of here,” while security forces prevented others from approaching the Russian leader.

Ukraine has urged Mongolia to arrest Putin in compliance with the ICC’s international warrant. 

However, Mongolia has not publicly responded to these calls. 

The country, a former Soviet satellite state, has maintained close ties with Russia, relying on it for gas and electricity. 

It has also avoided condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Putin’s visit underscores Russia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen alliances and advance projects like the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, which aims to transport natural gas to China via Mongolia, compensating for reduced gas sales in Europe.