Additional Coverage:
Despite sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled extensively this year.
Putin primarily met with dignitaries in Russia and Asia, taking 11 international trips. He participated in over 220 events with 54 world leaders.
In May, Putin met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, a strategic partner against Western dominance.
Putin also visited North Korea in June, where he received lavish gifts from Kim Jong Un, including a portrait, a bust, a limousine, horses, and dogs.
In September, Putin visited Mongolia, an ICC member state. However, Mongolia did not arrest Putin, citing its reliance on Russian energy for its survival.
Putin’s travels suggest that he is seeking to strengthen ties with Asian countries and avoid isolation despite Western sanctions and the ICC arrest warrant against him.