Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Tajikistan for a visit despite a valid warrant from the International Criminal Court. He was met at the ramp by President Emomali Rahmon, who greeted him with a brief embrace, a handshake, and an honor guard.
According to Russian media, the trip is scheduled for three days. Plans include participation in the Russia-Central Asia summit, a meeting of CIS countries, bilateral talks with Rahmon, and a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
The ICC arrest warrant for Putin was issued in 2023 in connection with the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. A similar warrant was issued for Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova.
Earlier, on September 2, Putin’s plane landed in Mongolia. The country ratified the Rome Statute over twenty years ago and is obligated to comply with ICC decisions. Local and Russian media published footage of the arrival. It was Putin’s first visit in over a year to a country that recognizes the jurisdiction of The Hague International Court.
Russia seeks to strengthen its influence in Central Asia
Putin arrived in Tajikistan, where he plans to hold a series of meetings with the leaders of Central Asian countries and other former Soviet republics.
The highlight of the program will be the Russia-Central Asia summit, which will be attended by the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
On Friday, the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus will join the talks for an expanded meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
