In the context of the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Ashgabat, Ukraine made a sharp diplomatic move, calling on the authorities of Turkmenistan to fulfill their international obligations and arrest the Russian leader on the basis of a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This warrant was issued in March 2023 and is connected with accusations of illegal deportation of Ukrainian children during Russia’s war against Ukraine. This demand once again emphasized the tough position of Ukraine in relation to Russia and its president.
The message appeared on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
Putin’s visit to Ashgabat is planned as part of his participation in the forum dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Turkmen poet Makhtumkula. However, against the background of the cultural event, questions arise about the legal status of the President of Russia and about the possible actions of countries that have signed the Rome Statute, under the auspices of which the ICC operates.
Ukraine emphasizes that Turkmenistan, despite its neutral position, must act in accordance with international law and arrest Putin, since this requirement is based on universal legal norms.
“Ukraine hopes that the leadership of Turkmenistan gives an account that Putin is a war criminal for whom an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court for the illegal forced transfer of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation. Putin and his henchmen are responsible for aggression against Ukraine, war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, murder, torture, rape, looting, shelling of civil infrastructure and other atrocities committed by Russian occupiers on the territory of Ukraine. All of them must be brought to justice for crimes committed against the Ukrainian people,” the message says.
Official Russian authorities, in turn, continue to deny the validity of this warrant, arguing that Russia does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC, as it is not a party to the Rome Statute. However, this creates a diplomatic dilemma for Turkmenistan. On the one hand, the country maintains close economic ties with Russia and depends on it in matters of trade and energy. On the other hand, ignoring the demands of Ukraine may damage the international image of Turkmenistan as a country that respects the principles of international law and humanitarian norms.
Influence on relations between Russia and Turkmenistan
Russia has long considered Turkmenistan an important partner in Central Asia, and Ashgabat maintains economic ties with Moscow, including in the sphere of gas supplies and cooperation in other sectors. It is important to note that Turkmenistan adheres to the policy of neutrality, which allowed it to avoid participation in major international conflicts, but in this case it may become a test for Turkmen diplomacy.
Turkmenistan’s neutrality is being questioned, since it is important for Ukraine that international norms are respected by all countries, even those that are not directly involved in armed conflicts. This call is part of Ukraine’s overall strategy to isolate Russia on the international stage.
Ukrainian officials and international human rights organizations have repeatedly and not without reason accused Russia of violating human rights and international conventions related to the protection of civilians during the conflict. The ICC order is one of the most resonant steps in international politics in recent years, symbolizing the international community’s intransigence regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
For the Kremlin, Putin’s trips abroad after the issuance of the ICC warrant have become especially tense, as a number of countries can use the right to arrest him, which calls into question his status in international politics. Previously, similar challenges arose at summits in South Africa and other countries, which indicates growing pressure on Moscow.
Ukraine continues to use any available diplomatic and legal mechanisms to draw attention to Russia’s violations and put pressure on its leaders. This call to arrest Putin during his visit to Turkmenistan is part of this campaign.
Influence on Central Asia
This case is also a reminder for the countries of Central Asia about the need to maintain a balance between relations with Russia and compliance with international law. Turkmenistan, despite its isolationist policy, faces increasing international pressure, which will intensify as the conflict in Ukraine escalates and sanctions against Russia increase.
This case can become a litmus test for understanding how the countries of the region will behave in the face of global changes and strengthening of international norms and obligations. Ukraine’s call to arrest Vladimir Putin during his visit to Turkmenistan is one of the vivid examples of how international law collides with the reality of diplomatic relations and the policy of neutrality. Turkmenistan finds itself in a difficult situation where it will have to choose between international obligations and relations with Russia, which in the long term may affect its political course.
The Turkmen authorities have so far refrained from commenting on this matter, which may indicate that Ashgabat is trying to avoid an open confrontation with Russia and criticism from the international community.
