By M A Hossain
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s current two-day state go to to Mongolia was not solely a big second within the bilateral relations between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar, but additionally an occasion that resonated on the worldwide stage. Mongolia, a nation that ratified the Rome Statute of the Worldwide Prison Court docket (ICC), grew to become the topic of world consideration attributable to its refusal to adjust to the ICC’s warrant for Putin’s arrest. This go to highlighted not solely Mongolia’s assertion of sovereignty, but additionally the strategic significance of Russian-Mongolian relations amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The backdrop of Putin’s go to was the ICC’s arrest warrant for the Russian chief, issued over a 12 months in the past in reference to the continuing battle in Ukraine. For the reason that warrant was issued, Putin had averted travelling to any nation with obligations below the ICC’s jurisdiction. Mongolia’s choice to not adhere to the ICC’s mandate raised eyebrows, particularly in Europe, the place a number of diplomats had hoped Ulaanbaatar would comply.
Regardless of threats of sanctions and criticism from European international locations, Mongolia stood agency. Kyiv expressed explicit outrage, condemning Mongolia’s choice as a “blow to all.” Ukrainian authorities believed that Mongolia had ignored the “clear sign” despatched twice concerning the warrant. Nonetheless, Mongolia’s refusal to adjust to the ICC’s directive underscored its dedication to prioritize nationwide sovereignty over worldwide stress. Notably, authorized specialists have identified that the ICC has no efficient mechanisms to penalize Mongolia for its non-compliance.
The state of affairs attracts consideration to the broader geopolitical context. Whereas the ICC might specific discontent, it lacks the facility to impose important sanctions on non-compliant states. Moreover, america, which doesn’t acknowledge the ICC’s authority, has remained notably silent on Mongolia’s choice, additional complicating the worldwide response. Washington’s non-recognition of the ICC mirrors Moscow’s stance, and the U.S. has even employed measures to limit the ICC’s affect, with a few of its judges and prosecutors being designated as blocked people by the US authorities.
Whereas the ICC situation attracted headlines, the first focus of Putin’s go to was to strengthen the great partnership between Russia and Mongolia. The timing of the go to is essential. The geopolitical panorama has shifted dramatically since Putin’s final go to to Mongolia in 2019. The pandemic, escalating tensions between Russia and the West, and the decline of Western hegemony have all performed roles in reshaping each regional and international dynamics.
One of many main highlights of the go to was the deal with increasing political, financial, and cultural ties between the 2 nations. Either side mentioned a variety of matters, together with cooperation in vitality, infrastructure, and agriculture. A number of agreements have been signed to boost commerce and funding, with particular consideration to sectors essential to Mongolia’s financial system, similar to vitality and transportation.
A key level of dialogue was the Soyuz Vostok fuel pipeline, an extension of Russia’s Energy of Siberia 2 undertaking. This pipeline, set to move pure fuel from Russia to China by way of Mongolia, has the potential to additional solidify Mongolia’s strategic significance within the area. Though there had been skepticism concerning the undertaking’s inclusion in Mongolia’s growth plans, Putin expressed optimism, noting that the undertaking documentation had been accomplished and submitted for presidency evaluate.
Vitality cooperation was a central theme throughout the go to, reflecting the deep interdependence between Russia and Mongolia on this sector. Mongolia imports over 90 % of its gasoline and diesel from Russia, making vitality safety a high precedence for Ulaanbaatar. The discussions throughout Putin’s go to included agreements on petroleum merchandise, aviation gasoline, and the reconstruction of Thermal Energy Plant 3 in Ulaanbaatar, all geared toward securing Mongolia’s vitality wants.
Whereas vitality was a cornerstone of the discussions, the go to additionally explored different areas of potential collaboration. The 2 sides agreed to develop pupil exchanges and scientific cooperation, with a specific emphasis on supporting Russian-language schooling in Mongolia. These efforts intention to strengthen cultural ties and foster a extra in-depth understanding between the 2 nations.
One other notable side of the go to was the signing of a memorandum on epidemic security, specializing in plague management, and one other on environmental cooperation, particularly concerning the preservation of Lake Baikal and its tributary, the Selenga River. These agreements spotlight the rising significance of environmental sustainability and public well being within the bilateral relationship.
Putin’s go to to Mongolia additionally carried important historic and symbolic weight. The Russian president marked the eighty fifth anniversary of the victory at Khalkhin Gol, a battle in 1939 the place Soviet and Mongolian forces efficiently repelled Japanese aggressors. This occasion stays an important chapter in Mongolia’s historical past, symbolizing the enduring bond between the 2 nations.
The go to concluded with a mutual dedication to strengthening the great strategic partnership between Russia and Mongolia. President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh of Mongolia expressed his gratitude for the go to and emphasised the significance of collaboration in areas similar to vitality, transportation, tradition, and healthcare.
Wanting forward, the 2 nations are poised to deepen their cooperation. Khurelsukh is predicted to go to Russia within the close to future, with plans to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan in October and the eightieth anniversary celebrations of the victory in World Warfare II in Moscow in 2025. Moreover, the signing of a short lived free commerce settlement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Financial Union (EAEU) is anticipated earlier than the tip of 2024, which may additional enhance commerce and financial interplay.
Vladimir Putin’s go to to Mongolia was a pivotal second within the ongoing relationship between Russia and Mongolia. Whereas the go to highlighted the ICC’s waning affect on the worldwide stage, it additionally underscored the strategic significance of the 2 international locations’ partnership. Because the world continues to expertise profound geopolitical shifts, the strengthening of Russian-Mongolian relations serves as a testomony to the resilience of conventional alliances and the rising significance of Asia in international affairs. By this go to, each nations have demonstrated their readiness to collaborate within the face of recent challenges and to pursue mutually useful alternatives for development and stability. (IPA