Mongolia cannot arrest Putin who is there on a visit, because of dependence on imports of Russian energy products, a spokesperson for the Mongolian government said in a statement to Politico.
The spokesperson stated that Mongolia imports 95% of its oil products and more than 20% of its electricity from Russia. This supply has been described in Mongolia as "crucial" for the existence of the country.
"Mongolia imports 95% of its petroleum products and over 20% of electricity from our immediate neighborhood, which have previously suffered interruption for technical reasons. This supply is critical to ensure our existence and that of our people," the spokesperson said.
The Mongolian government spokesperson also emphasized that the country has always maintained a policy of neutrality in its diplomatic relations.
"Mongolia has always maintained a policy of neutrality in all its diplomatic relations, as demonstrated in our statements of record to date," the spokesperson said.
Earlier, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs promised to work with partners to ensure that Mongolia "faces consequences" after failing to arrest Putin after arriving in Mongolia on Monday, September 2.
“Mongolia allowed the indicted criminal to escape justice, thereby sharing responsibility for his war crimes. We will work with partners to ensure that this has consequences for Ulaanbaatar,” said Heorhorii Tykhyi, the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")
