Vladimir Putin to Visit Kyrgyzstan Amidst ICC Arrest Warrant
Putin’s First Known Trip Abroad Since ICC Issued Arrest Warrant
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, is set to visit Kyrgyzstan on Thursday, as confirmed by the presidential office of the Central Asian country. This trip would mark Putin’s first known journey abroad since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for his arrest. The ICC warrant, which was issued in March, alleges that Putin illegally deported hundreds of children from Ukraine. However, the Kremlin vehemently denies these allegations.
Putin’s Limited International Travel Since Invasion of Ukraine
Since the invasion of Ukraine by Moscow in early 2022, Putin has significantly restricted his international travel and has not left Russia. The ICC warrant further complicates his ability to travel abroad. Nevertheless, at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Putin has agreed to make an official visit to Kyrgyzstan on October 12.
Confirmation Awaited from the Kremlin
While Putin agreed to the visit during talks with Japarov in May, there has been no official confirmation from the Kremlin regarding his travel plans. Nonetheless, the Kyrgyz presidential administration has released a statement on its website, announcing Putin’s official visit to the country.
Upcoming Trip to China for Belt and Road Forum
In addition to his visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin is also scheduled to travel to China next week to attend the third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. Neither Kyrgyzstan nor China are members of the ICC, which was established to prosecute war crimes. Russia has consistently denied the ICC’s allegations, and the Kremlin views the warrant as evidence of the West’s hostility towards Russia.
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Opening of an Air Base in Kant
During his visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin will also participate in ceremonies commemorating the 20th anniversary of the opening of an air base in Kant. This air base is home to the Russian Aerospace Forces’ 999th Air Base. The Kyrgyz presidential office expressed its anticipation for Putin’s attendance at the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit, which is also taking place in Bishkek.
Strained Relations between Russia and Armenia
Separately, the Kyrgyzstan’s presidential office announced that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will not be attending the CIS summit due to “a number of circumstances.” Russia and Armenia have experienced strained relations due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and Armenia’s decision to subject itself to the jurisdiction of the ICC. Armenia has accused Russia of inaction during Azerbaijan’s recapture of Nagorno-Karabakh.
As plans proceed for a meeting between Pashinyan and the President of Azerbaijan to discuss a durable peace accord, tensions remain high in the region.
It is essential to note that this article has been rewritten to meet specific guidelines and enhance its readability. The information presented here is accurate as of the time of rewriting.
