MOSCOW, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Mongolia for a state visit, with the focus on a planned gas pipeline project connecting Russia and China through Mongolia.
The proposed pipeline, known as “Power of Siberia 2,” aims to deliver 50 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas annually from Russia’s Yamal region to China.
This project is part of Russia’s strategy to offset the loss of its gas sales in Europe due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“Power of Siberia 2” is intended to follow the current “Power of Siberia” pipeline, which supplies Russian gas to China and is set to reach its full capacity of 38 bcm per year by 2025. However, discussions on the new pipeline have faced delays, primarily over pricing issues. Despite these setbacks, Putin confirmed that preparatory work, including feasibility and engineering studies, is progressing as planned.
During his visit, Putin is expected to hold talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. However, the trip is not without controversy.
Ukraine recently called on Mongolia to arrest Putin under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issued last year, accusing him of the war crime of deporting Ukrainian children illegally. While the Kremlin has dismissed these accusations as politically motivated, the ICC warrant obliges its 124 member states, including Mongolia, to arrest Putin if he sets foot on their territory.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that all aspects of the visit had been thoroughly discussed with Mongolian authorities, implying no concerns about Putin’s safety during the trip.
The visit underscores the complexities of international diplomacy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
