Russia-Ukraine War: Will Vladimir Putin be Arrested Next Week, Who Will Arrest Him?

Russia-Ukraine War: During the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has stated that if Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Mongolia next week, Mongolian authorities have an "obligation" to arrest him under international law.

Putin is expected to visit Mongolia on Tuesday, marking the first time he will set foot in a country that is a member of the ICC. In March 2023, the ICC issued a warrant for Putin's arrest, accusing him of war crimes related to the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.

ICC spokesman Dr. Fadi El Abdallah emphasized that member countries, including Mongolia, are expected to "comply with the court's orders." He highlighted that Mongolia, like all other ICC member states, has a responsibility to cooperate with the court and fulfill its obligations under international law.

Seven lakh Ukrainian children had been taken from Ukraine to Russia

The arrest warrant for Putin, issued by the ICC in March 2023, stems from allegations of war crimes. The court contends that Putin is culpable for not preventing the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. However, Russia has vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing the ICC's arrest warrant as "outrageous."

Russian children's commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova had said in March 2023 that more than seven lakh Ukrainian children had been taken from Ukraine to Russia since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Lvova-Belova said in a report published on July 30 that the vast majority of those children came to Russia accompanied by parents and relatives. On March 17, the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lvova-Belova. They were charged with being responsible for the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia -- a war crime under international legislation.

Ukrainian Officials Urge Arrest

Ukrainian officials have called for Putin's arrest if he arrives in Mongolia. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated, "They hope that Mongolia will acknowledge that Putin is a war criminal." This call reflects Ukraine's continued efforts to hold the Russian president accountable for actions taken during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Kremlin's Response: "No Concerns" Over the Visit

Despite the potential legal implications, the Kremlin has expressed confidence in Putin's upcoming visit to Mongolia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed any concerns, stating, "We have excellent relations with our allies in Mongolia. However, we have taken all precautions in preparing for the President's visit."

ICC's Position on Non-Compliance

The ICC lacks the direct authority to enforce arrests and relies heavily on its member countries to execute its orders. Dr. Abdallah noted that if any member country "refuses to follow the order," ICC judges will monitor the situation closely, and the matter will be discussed during meetings of member states. Depending on the outcome, "whatever action seems necessary will be taken."

While the ICC has called on Mongolia to fulfill its obligations if Putin visits, it remains to be seen how Mongolian authorities will respond to this diplomatic and legal challenge.