The defence ministers of Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania announced on Tuesday their unanimous recommendation to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines, in response to escalating military threats from Russia.
In a joint statement, the ministers cited significant increases in military threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus, asserting that the current security environment necessitates greater flexibility for their defence forces. “We believe it is paramount to provide our defence forces with the freedom to potentially use new weapons systems and solutions to bolster the defence of the alliance’s vulnerable eastern flank,” the statement read.
Russia’s aggressive military actions, particularly its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, have heightened concerns in the region. The Ukrainian conflict has transformed the country into one of the most mine-laden nations globally, further motivating the Baltic states and Poland to reconsider their commitments under the treaty.
Despite signalling their intent to withdraw, the ministers affirmed their ongoing commitment to humanitarian law, emphasising the importance of protecting civilians during armed conflicts. In light of Russia’s actions, they have all pledged increased defence spending, aiming for 5% of their GDP on defence—surpassing NATO’s target of 2%.
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur remarked that the military has no current plans to adopt banned landmines, stating, “Decisions regarding the Ottawa Convention should be made in solidarity and coordination within the region.” Meanwhile, Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene highlighted that the recommended withdrawal sends a clear message regarding the commitment to border security.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated his support for exiting the Ottawa Convention and potentially the 2008 Dublin Convention, which bans cluster munitions. Finland, although not a signer of the joint statement, has also considered leaving the treaty due to concerns over Russia’s use of anti-personnel mines in Ukraine.
The United States remains the only NATO member not party to the treaty, while other significant nations such as China, India, Pakistan, and South Korea have also not joined. According to NATO, nearly 70 countries are still affected by about 110 million landmines, which pose a persistent threat as they can remain dormant for years.
In 2023, at least 5,757 people, predominantly civilians, were killed or injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance, according to an annual report by the NGO Landmine Monitor.
Source: euronews
