Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Mongolia. His visit spikes chaos domestically and internationally. What just happened?

🤯 Partner in War Crimes? 

From a Western media perspective, Putin’s visit to Mongolia did not go unnoticed. International outlets such as The New York Times, Politico, and The Guardian criticize Mongolia's actions, highlighting how Putin was “welcomed with a red carpet” rather than facing any repercussions. Headlines like “A Partner in War Crimes” paint Mongolia in an unfavorable light, suggesting that the country risks international isolation by hosting the Russian leader during such a turbulent time.

🫸 Diplomatic Backlash

Further amplifying the controversy, ambassadors from the United States, Germany, the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom voiced their opposition, publicly posting the hashtag “#StandWithUkraine” on social media. This collective diplomatic protest sends a clear message, underscoring the delicate position Mongolia finds itself in, caught between its economic dependence on Russia and pressure from Western nations.

• U.S. “We understand Mongolia”: Among Ukraine’s threatening statements to Mongolia, the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the European Union’s disappointment, the U.S. expresses the situation of Mongolia and continues to support Mongolia.
• 🪢 Tight rope around Mongolia’s neck: Mongolia imports 95% of its oil products and over 20% of its electricity from Russia. This dependency, couples with its geographic location between Russia and China, leaves Mongolia with limited room for maneuvering in global politics. 

Historically, Mongolia has maintained a stance of neutrality on issues involving China and Russia. In this context, hosting Putin was more a reflection of Mongolia’s economic and geopolitical reality than outright support for Russia’s policies.

🎤 Mongolians' Perspective About The Visit

• What Did Mongolia's Top Leaders Say To Vladimir Putin During His Visit? (ZMS)
• Nyamdavaa. R: Putin's Visit Reflects Strong Trust Between Russia and Mongolia. (Graph)
• Vladimir Putin’s Visit: Progress on Egiin Hydroelectric Power Plant and Fuel Supply Issues. (eguur)

🤷‍♀️ Was the Visit Worth It?

From a tangible results perspective, the visit leads to agreements on petroleum supply,  Egiin River Hydropower Plant cooperation, and discussions around the expansion of Mongolia’s III Thermal Power Plant and, air service. Despite these limited gains, the larger political fallout raises the question of whether the economic benefits of the visit were worth the potential diplomatic cost.