"Sorry, we have arms tied": Mongolia explained why Putin was not arrested at the ISS Order

Ulan Bator imports 95% of petroleum products and more than 20% of electricity from neighboring countries-Russia and China. These deliveries are "crucial" to the country, the interlocutor in the Mongolia government told American journalists. Mongolia was in a situation of energy dependence, which complicates the arrest of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin under the Order of the International Criminal Court (ICS) for war crimes in Ukraine.

This was reported by Politico representative of the Mongol government. "Sorry, our hands are tied," he said. The Mongolian government representative explained that his country imports 95% of petroleum products and more than 20% of electricity from the nearest neighbors. According to him, these deliveries are crucial for ensuring the existence and well -being of the Mongol people.

"Mongolia has always adhered to the neutral policy in all its diplomatic relations, as evidenced by our official statements," he added. Politico notes that Mongolia with a population of 3. 3 million has an inconvenient geographical location between the superpowers of Russia and China. She is constantly maneuvering in the diplomatic arena to repel any of her neighbors with whom she has historical and economic ties.

The full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine has not changed this approach for the government in Ulan Bator. However, Mongolia is a member of the ISS, who in March 2023 issued an international warrant for the arrest of Putin for war crimes related to the deportation and movement of children from the occupied territories of Ukraine to Russia.

Any member of the ISS is obliged to execute the court warrants, but Mongolia did not do so and is probably prosecuted because of his inaction, a legal expert said. The European Union, Ukraine and international human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, have previously urged Mongolia to fulfill their obligations. During his visit to Ulan Bator, Putin invited the Mongolia President Uchnaagian Hurelsukh for Brix Summit, which will take place in Russia in October.

The Mongolia Government Representative also added that Putin's visit corresponds to the historical tradition of joint celebration by the heads of the anniversary of the victory of Soviet and Mongol troops over Japan in the battle of Halkin-Goli in 1939.