Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Mongolia for the first time since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him last year.

The ICC seeks his arrest for the alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. During his visit, Putin was greeted with a formal ceremony in Ulaanbaatar.

Despite calls from Ukraine for Mongolia to arrest him, the Mongolian government has not publicly responded.

The visit has sparked small protests, but security forces prevented many demonstrators from approaching Putin, BBC has reported.

Mongolia has historically maintained friendly relations with Russia and remains an important partner in energy projects, including the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline to China.

Written by B.C. Begley