Two significant events are unfolding in Russian politics, involving Telegram founder Pavel Durov and President Vladimir Putin. Durov was detained at Paris’ Le Bourget airport on August 24, facing multiple charges including terrorism and narcotics trafficking. He was released on bail of 5 million euros on August 28 and placed under judicial supervision. The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, has categorically denied any negotiations or agreements with Durov, stating, ‘There were no agreements between the Kremlin and Durov,’ and ‘there were no negotiations between the parties’.Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit Mongolia on September 3, despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 2023 for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Mongolia, as a signatory to the Rome Statute since 2002, is technically obligated to arrest Putin if he enters their territory. However, the Kremlin has expressed no concern about the visit. Dmitry Peskov stated, ‘We have no concerns. We have an excellent dialogue with our Mongolian friends,’ and assured that ‘all aspects of the visit have been carefully prepared’.The visit to Mongolia is significant as it marks Putin’s first trip to an ICC member state since the warrant was issued. The purpose of the visit is to participate in the 85th anniversary celebrations of the Soviet and Mongolian victory over Japan in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939. This move by Putin, despite the ICC warrant, demonstrates Russia’s continued defiance of international legal pressures and its strategic relationships in the region.
Key points
- Pavel Durov, Telegram founder, was detained in Paris and released on bail, facing serious charges.
- The Kremlin denies any negotiations or agreements with Durov.
- Vladimir Putin plans to visit Mongolia despite an ICC arrest warrant, with the Kremlin expressing no concerns.
- The Mongolia visit marks Putin’s first trip to an ICC member state since the warrant was issued.
Contradictions👾While most sources agree on the details of Durov’s detention and release, there are slight variations in the reported number of crimes he’s accused of, ranging from ‘serious crimes’ to specifically ’10 crimes’.
👾Some sources emphasize the obligation of Mongolia to arrest Putin, while others focus on the Kremlin’s confidence in the visit, suggesting potential behind-the-scenes assurances.
