Kiev has urged Turkmenistan to comply with an ICC warrant for the Russian president
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has issued a stern warning to Turkmenistan, urging its officials to reconsider hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin this week.
Kiev highlighted the arrest warrant issued against Putin by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes, and reminded Turkmenistan of its supposed legal obligations, despite the fact that Ashgabat does not recognize the ICC’s authority.
In its statement on Thursday, Ukraine called on “all countries that value human life, international law, and the UN Charter” to avoid engaging with Putin and refrain from hosting any joint events with him.
Putin arrived in Ashgabat on Friday morning for a working visit, during which he will participate in an international forum titled “Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – Basis of Peace and Development,” dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Turkmen poet and thinker Makhtumkuli Fraghi.
The ICC issued a warrant for Putin’s arrest in March 2023, accusing him of the “unlawful deportation of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.”
Moscow has dismissed the claims as ridiculous, noting that the evacuation of civilians from combat zones is not a crime. Neither Russia nor Ukraine are parties to the Rome Statute, meaning the ICC lacks jurisdiction in the matter.
In late August, Ukraine issued a similar demand to Mongolia, which is a signatory to the ICC. The country refused to comply, arguing that it maintains a policy of neutrality regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This infuriated Kiev, which promised to “work with partners to ensure that this has consequences for Ulaanbaatar.”
Kiev also called on Mexico to arrest Putin if he visits the country, following reports earlier this year that the Russian president was invited to attend the inauguration of Mexico’s new leader in October. The Mexican authorities rejected the request.
