Poland and Baltic States Consider Withdrawal from Landmine Treaty Amidst Rising Russian Threats

In a significant policy shift, Poland and the Baltic countries have announced plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, citing increased threats from Russia and Belarus. They emphasize their commitment to NATO and ongoing humanitarian laws despite this decision.

Poland and the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have taken a bold step by announcing their intent to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines. This decision comes in the wake of escalating security concerns stemming from Russia’s aggressive posture towards its neighbors. Citing a "significant increase" in threats from Moscow and its ally Belarus, the defence ministers articulated a need for greater "flexibility and freedom of choice" in military operations to safeguard NATO's eastern borders.

The Ottawa Treaty, established in 1997, was crafted to eliminate anti-personnel mines globally and has garnered support from over 160 nations. However, several military heavyweights, including Russia, the United States, China, and India, have opted not to join. While Poland formally aligned with the treaty in 2012, the Baltic states were earlier signatories, having joined by 2005.

In their recent joint statement, the ministers from these nations underscored the deterioration of security in the region since they originally endorsed the treaty. They asserted, “In light of these considerations, we... unanimously recommend withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention.” This move has been framed as a definitive message of preparedness to utilize all necessary means to defend their territories.

Despite their impending withdrawal, the defence ministers reaffirmed their dedication to international humanitarian principles, emphasizing the importance of civilian protection amid armed conflict. They expressed that their nations will continue to uphold these laws while also meeting their security demands.

All four countries are NATO members and share borders with Russia. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland and the Baltic states have significantly ramped up military spending and provided extensive support to Ukraine. According to data from the Kiel Institute think tank, both the Baltic nations and Poland rank among the highest in the percentage of GDP contributed as aid to Ukraine.

As Ukraine remains a signatory of the Ottawa Treaty, it faces a paradox. The nation has received landmines from the United States due to the ongoing conflict, leading to UN statements indicating that it cannot fully guarantee compliance with the treaty. Moreover, the Treaty’s Article 20 prohibits withdrawals while a signatory nation is engaged in active conflict, raising further questions about the legal ramifications of this joint decision among the eastern European states. The UN has already classified Ukraine as the most mined country worldwide, underscoring the urgent security landscape these nations currently navigate.