I.Ya. Korostovetz, "the Creator of Mongolia" and Russian Diplomatic Mission in Urga in 1912

The author defines the role of Russian diplomacy and one of its brightest representatives – Ivan Korostovetz in establishing their own Mongolian state in 1911–1912 through the analysis of diplomatic correspondence, as well as relying on other sources and memoirs of the contemporaries. The author studied the challenges faced by the diplomatic mission and ways to overcome them, showing the position and arguments of each party on the issue of the status of Mongolia. It is noted that the Russian Far East policy was not a priority at the beginning of the twentieth century, giving way to solving of the European problems and it gave rise to a certain alienation of the outlying territories, which eventually became a threat to the national security. The Xinhai Revolution of 1911–1912 and the collapse of the Qing Empire contributed to the awareness of the possibility of gaining a foothold in the region and ensure its economic and geopolitical interests in many ways. Not being interested in the aggravation of relations with China, the Russian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs entrusted solving the sudden Outer Mongolia's independence declaration problem to an experienced diplomat, the former envoy to the Qing’s court – Ivan Korostovets. However, a simple task at first glance was complicated by the fact that representatives of the Mongolian side, resting on Western concepts of the state, state sovereignty, etc. did not see themselves as a part of China, while Russia recognized for its neighbor the principle of the territorial integrity. In turn, China was considering the activities of the Russian side as interference in its internal affairs, in that time, Russia insisted on defending of only its commercial interests. As a result of lengthy and difficult negotiations Korostavets persuaded the Mongols to make concessions, the Chinese - not to start military operations and not to make provocations and Russian Foreign Ministry – in the importance and significance of the committed actions. The experience, determination, fortitude and authority provided success to Russian mission in Urga, and the protection of Russian eastern borders in the next few decades