The defence ministers of Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have announced their intent to leave the Ottawa Treaty, citing increased threats from Russia. Despite their withdrawal, they maintain a commitment to international humanitarian law amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Poland and Baltic Nations Move to Exit Landmine Treaty Amidst Rising Russian Threats
Poland and Baltic Nations Move to Exit Landmine Treaty Amidst Rising Russian Threats
In a significant shift, Poland and the Baltic states plan to withdraw from the anti-personnel landmine treaty, citing security concerns stemming from Russia.
Poland and the Baltic nations—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—are gearing up to exit the Ottawa Treaty, a pivotal international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, amid escalating threats from Russia. In a unified declaration, the defence ministers from these countries voiced concerns over the deteriorating security landscape since signing the treaty, emphasizing the imperative need for armed forces' "flexibility and freedom of choice" to safeguard NATO's eastern borders.
The Ottawa Treaty was established in 1997 with the goal of prohibiting anti-personnel mines that primarily target civilians, garnering over 160 signatories. However, several major military powers—including China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and the United States—never committed to the agreement. While all Baltic states endorsed the treaty by 2005, Poland formalized its participation in 2012.
The defence ministers collectively underscored a shift in security conditions, asserting that the region's threats have "significantly deteriorated” post-treaty signing. This decision to withdraw, they stated, sends a definitive message regarding their capacity and readiness to employ necessary measures in defense of their sovereignty.
Despite plans to exit the treaty, the nations emphasized their ongoing commitment to international humanitarian laws, particularly concerning the protection of civilians in conflicts. They reaffirmed that adherence to these principles would persist alongside their pressing security requirements.
As members of NATO and sharing borders with Russia, Poland and the Baltic states have significantly ramped up military expenditures and support for Ukraine since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. According to the Kiel Institute, these nations have emerged as some of the highest proportional donors of aid to Ukraine, reflecting their urgent security concerns and strategic alignments.
Although Ukraine is a signatory of the Ottawa Treaty, it has received anti-personnel mines from the United States amidst its ongoing conflict. Ukraine’s situation complicates matters as it contends with Article 20 of the treaty, which prohibits withdrawal if a nation is currently at war—heightening concerns about the treaty's future enforcement.
Recent UN reports highlight Ukraine as possibly the most mined nation globally, further underlining the urgency of military readiness in a continuously evolving territorial and political landscape.
