Putin to Visit Mongolia Despite ICC Arrest Warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Mongolia next week, according to the Kremlin. This trip marks Putin's first venture into an International Criminal Court (ICC) member state since a warrant for his arrest was issued in March 2023. The warrant relates to alleged war crimes in Ukraine, including the abduction and unlawful transfer of children. Despite the ICC's mandate for member states to detain suspects with outstanding warrants, enforcement actions are notably weak.

Scheduled for September 3, the trip will see Putin attend ceremonies commemorating the Soviet and Mongolian forces' victory over Japan 85 years ago. Putin will meet President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and other officials during his visit. The Kremlin, maintaining its stance of non-recognition towards the ICC, has refrained from commenting on potential arrest risks in Mongolia. The Kremlin continues to dismiss the ICC warrant as "null and void," but Putin has avoided trips to ICC member states, notably skipping a BRICS summit in South Africa last year, participating instead by video. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)