HANOI (Reuters) – The US criticised Vietnam for having invited Russia’s President Vladimir Putin to Hanoi, the U.S. embassy in Hanoi mentioned forward of an anticipated state go to this week.

Putin is predicted to go to Vietnam on Wednesday and Thursday, after repeated invites from Vietnamese leaders.

The U.S. has led Western sanctions on Russia following its invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022. In March final yr, the Hague-based Worldwide Prison Court docket’s (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for the Russian president over alleged warfare crimes in Ukraine.

“No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities,” a spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Hanoi mentioned when requested concerning the affect of the anticipated go to on ties with the US.

“If he is able to travel freely, it could normalize Russia’s blatant violations of international law,” the spokesperson added, referring to the invasion that Russia describes as a “special operation”.

The U.S. upgraded relations with Hanoi final yr and is Vietnam’s high buying and selling associate.

Vietnam’s overseas ministry didn’t reply to a request for remark.

Putin’s go to has not but been formally introduced, however a number of officers have confirmed the journey, which might be his first to Vietnam since 2017. The 2 international locations have traditionally shut ties.

“We cannot return to business as usual or turn a blind eye to the clear violations of international law Russia has committed in Ukraine. There needs to be accountability for those responsible for war crimes,” the U.S. embassy spokesperson added.

Neither Vietnam, Russia or the U.S. are members of the ICC.