Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have announced their intention to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which bans the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines. This decision is driven by heightened security concerns stemming from Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine and perceived threats to NATO’s eastern borders.
In a joint statement, the defense ministers of these nations emphasized that the security landscape has “fundamentally deteriorated” since the treaty’s ratification, necessitating enhanced defensive measures. They argue that withdrawing from the convention would allow for the deployment of landmines as a deterrent against potential aggression from Russia and Belarus.
The Ottawa Convention, effective since 1999, has been ratified by over 160 countries. However, key military powers such as the United States, China, India, Pakistan, South Korea, and Russia have not joined the treaty. Critics of landmine use, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, highlight the significant humanitarian risks and limited military efficacy associated with these weapons.
The proposed withdrawal requires legislative approval within each country, involving parliamentary votes and presidential consent. This move underscores the shifting defense strategies in Eastern Europe amid escalating tensions with Russia. While these nations reaffirm their commitment to international humanitarian law and civilian protection, their decision reflects a strategic pivot to bolster national defense capabilities in response to evolving regional threats.
