Poland and the Baltic nations are preparing to leave the Mine Ban Treaty due to escalating concerns regarding regional security and Russian aggression.
Poland and Baltic States Consider Withdrawal from Landmine Treaty Amidst Russian Threats
Poland and Baltic States Consider Withdrawal from Landmine Treaty Amidst Russian Threats
Planned exit from the Ottawa Treaty highlights increased security measures against Russia.
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.
