Four NATO nations bordering Russia have decided to withdraw from an international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines as they prepare for potential threats from their eastern neighbor.
Top Takeaways
- Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are withdrawing from the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines.
- The decision comes in response to what they describe as a “fundamentally deteriorated” security situation due to Russian aggression.
- Major military powers including Russia, China, and the United States have never signed the treaty.
- The countries remain committed to humanitarian law despite their withdrawal from the agreement.
- All four nations have been among the strongest supporters of Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Security Concerns Drive Treaty Withdrawal
Defense ministers from Poland and the Baltic states have jointly announced their recommendation to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which bans the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines. The decision stems from what they describe as a “fundamentally deteriorated” security environment following Russia’s aggressive actions in the region. The defense ministers emphasized that the regional security situation has “significantly increased” since their countries initially signed the treaty, with Poland joining in 2012 and the Baltic states signing by 2005.
“With this decision, we are sending a clear message: our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our territory and freedom,” wrote the defence ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.
The treaty, which currently has over 160 signatories worldwide, was created to minimize civilian casualties from anti-personnel mines during and after conflicts. Notably absent from the agreement are major military powers including Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and the United States.
Defending NATO’s Eastern Flank
All four countries share borders with either Russia or its close ally Belarus, forming NATO’s easternmost frontier. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, these nations have dramatically increased their military spending and have been among the most vocal and generous supporters of Ukraine, contributing significant portions of their GDP to aid Kyiv. Defense officials stressed that military flexibility is now “paramount” to effectively defend NATO’s eastern flank against potential aggression.
The Baltic states and Poland have legitimate reasons for concern. Russia has historically asserted influence over these territories, with the Baltic nations having been forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union until 1991. Poland also endured decades of Soviet domination during the Cold War. Their historical experiences with Russian imperialism have shaped their current security policies and explain their strong support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.
Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, which forbids signatory countries from producing, stockpiling, and using anti-personnel landmines. pic.twitter.com/DqMiqV5ULj
— TVP World (@TVPWorld_com) March 18, 2025
Humanitarian Commitment Despite Military Necessity
Despite their withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty, the defense ministers emphasized their continued commitment to international humanitarian laws and civilian protection during conflicts. The decision represents a careful balancing act between national security imperatives and humanitarian concerns.
The move comes as Ukraine, itself a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty, faces challenges complying with its obligations while defending against Russia. The United Nations has declared Ukraine the most heavily mined country in the world, an unthinkable statistic before the war broke out. A recent Landmine Monitor report indicated that landmines were still being used in 2023 and 2024 by several countries including Russia, Myanmar, Iran, and North Korea, further complicating the international landscape regarding these weapons.
