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

Thu Mar 20 2025 01:00:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
Poland and Baltic States Consider Withdrawal from Landmine Treaty Amidst Russian Threats

Planned exit from the Ottawa Treaty highlights increased security measures against Russia.


Poland and the Baltic nations are preparing to leave the Mine Ban Treaty due to escalating concerns regarding regional security and Russian aggression.



In a bold move reflecting their shifting security priorities, Poland and the Baltic states — Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania — have announced plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits anti-personnel landmines. This decision stems from their assessment of the intensified threat posed by Russia and its ally Belarus, which they no longer feel allows for them the necessary “flexibility and freedom of choice” to safeguard NATO's eastern border.

Since the treaty's inception in 1997, aimed at banning anti-personnel mines globally, over 160 nations have signed on; however, significant military powers, including Russia, India, China, and the U.S., have opted out. The Baltic states were signatories to the convention by 2005, followed by Poland in 2012. Yet the defense ministers of these nations assert that the security situation in the region has "significantly deteriorated" since then.

In their combined statement released recently, officials emphasized that the decision to exit the Ottawa Convention sends a clear signal regarding their preparedness to take all necessary measures to defend their territories. They reiterated their commitment to international humanitarian laws, particularly concerning civilian protection during armed conflict, even as they prepare to abandon the treaty.

Notably, all four countries are NATO members and share borders with Russia. In response to the ongoing war in Ukraine, they have amplified military spending and provided substantial assistance to Ukraine, which is presently struggling against Russian forces. According to the Kiel Institute think tank, by GDP percentage, these nations rank among the highest in donor aid contributions to Ukraine. Despite being a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty, Ukraine has received landmines from the U.S. amid its ongoing conflict.

It's worth mentioning that Article 20 of the Mine Ban Treaty stipulates that a nation cannot withdraw while actively engaged in war, which introduces a complex legal challenge for Ukraine. As conflict escalates, the U.N. has declared Ukraine to be the most mined nation on earth, causing further implications for regional stability and international treaty commitments.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 21:19:09 GMT

Ukraine and Russia Agree to Temporary Strike Pause on Energy Sites

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 21:19:09 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:02:17 GMT

Trump Describes 'Very Good' Phone Call with Zelensky Amid Ongoing Tensions

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:02:17 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:58:29 GMT

Trump Secures Ceasefire Agreement Between Russia and Ukraine After Key Diplomatic Call

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:58:29 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:05:54 GMT

Putin-Trump Call: A Strategic Win for Russia Amid Ongoing Tensions

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:05:54 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:03:51 GMT

Zelensky Open to Limited Cease-Fire Talks Following Trump-Putin Call

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:03:51 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 10:52:49 GMT

### Putin Holds Firm in Talks with Trump, Insisting on Key Demands for Ukraine

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 10:52:49 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:49:35 GMT

Energy Warfare: Cease-Fire Agreement Proposed in Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:49:35 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:25:56 GMT

**Putin Rejects Comprehensive Ceasefire; Agrees to Halt Energy Infrastructure Attacks After Trump Call**

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:25:56 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:22:30 GMT

**Trump and Putin: Limited Progress in Ukraine Peace Talks Amidst Ongoing Conflict**

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:22:30 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 06:40:37 GMT

Tensions Rise as Russia and Ukraine Launch Attacks Post Trump-Putin Call

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 06:40:37 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:06:09 GMT

Putin and Trump Discuss Cease-Fire in Ukraine Conflict

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:06:09 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:15:44 GMT

Putin Plays Ball with Trump, Yet Ukraine Conflict Persists

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:15:44 GMT
Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:01:57 GMT

Putin and Trump Engage in Call: Energy Attack Pause but No Full Ceasefire

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:01:57 GMT
Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:25:42 GMT

**Russia and Ukraine Agree on Temporary Energy Strike Truce**

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:25:42 GMT
Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:15:28 GMT

Vladimir Putin Agrees to Brief Ceasefire Amidst Ongoing War Concerns

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:15:28 GMT
Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:35:57 GMT

Poland and Baltic States Plan Exit from Landmine Treaty Amid Security Concerns

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:35:57 GMT
Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:34:33 GMT

Renewed Conflict in Gaza: Hamas' Restraint Amid Heavy Bombardment

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:34:33 GMT
Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:00:20 GMT

Renewed Violence Unravels Gaza Ceasefire Amidst Heightened Tensions

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:00:20 GMT
Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:27:41 GMT

Germany Approves Landmark Defence Spending Boost Amid International Tensions

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:27:41 GMT
Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:25:59 GMT

Renewed Violence Erupts in Gaza as Israel Launches Major Airstrikes

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:25:59 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.