Russian President Vladimir Putin was warmly greeted on his state visit to Mongolia, where he was welcomed by his counterpart Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh amidst criticism from Ukraine for not arresting him under an International Criminal Court warrant.
Despite an arrest warrant issued by the ICC last year accusing Putin of war crimes, Mongolia did not take any action, drawing condemnation from Ukraine for allowing an accused criminal to evade justice.
Putin's visit to Mongolia aims to strengthen trade and economic cooperation, especially in light of the planned Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project, which will carry 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Russia to China.
The project is crucial for Russia's strategy to diversify its gas sales away from Europe, especially since the Ukraine war disrupted its sales in the region. Despite challenges such as pricing, preparatory work for Power of Siberia 2 is progressing as planned.
Overall, Putin's visit to Mongolia highlights the importance of international relations and economic partnerships, showcasing the intricate balance of politics and commerce in today's global landscape.