Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Kyrgyzstan next week, authorities said Wednesday, October 4.

This will be Putin’s first trip abroad since the International Criminal Court (ICC) slapped an arrest warrant against him.

In March 17, 2023, the Hague-based court issued an arrest warrant for Putin over war crime of unlawful deportation of population (Ukrainian children).

Since then, Putin has not left Russia.

“By the invitation of the president of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov on October 12 the president of the Russian Federation will pay an official visit to our country,” the Kyrgyz news agency Kabar reported, citing an official from the presidential office.

Putin to visit army base

During his visit, Putin will visit a Russian air base in the city of Kant, east of the capital Bishkek, for the 20th anniversary of its opening.

In February 2022, Putin launched a full-scale military offensive against Ukraine, which has set him at loggerheads with international leaders and organisations.

Russia, under Putin’s tutelage, set off the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II when it invaded Ukraine.

Not member of Rome Statute

Kyrgyzstan is not a member of the Rome Statute, a treaty that obliges member countries to respect ICC’s decisions.

has not ratified the Rome Statute, a treaty obliging members to adhere to the International Criminal Court’s decisions.

Henceforth, ICC members are expected to make the arrest if the Russian leader sets foot on their territory.

In July, Putin gave the BRICS Summit a wide berth because it was hosted by South Africa — an ICC member.