Poland and three Baltic nations—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—have announced their intention to withdraw from an international treaty that bans the use of landmines. This treaty, known as the Ottawa Convention, was signed in 1997 by over 160 countries to prevent the use of deadly anti-personnel mines. However, Russia never signed this agreement and continues to use such weapons.
Now, due to growing security concerns, these four NATO countries say they must be ready to defend their borders. They argue that quitting the treaty will allow them to stockpile landmines again, making their defense stronger in case of an attack. The ability to deploy landmines, they believe, will serve as a deterrent and a protective measure against potential aggression.
Rising Tensions with Russia and Belarus
The decision to exit the landmine ban comes as tensions between NATO members and Russia have escalated. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, security concerns in Eastern Europe have been growing. Poland and the Baltic nations, which share borders with Russia or its ally Belarus, feel increasingly threatened.
In a joint statement, the defense ministers of the four nations said that military threats from Russia and Belarus have significantly increased. They believe that using landmines is necessary to protect their borders from potential attacks. Officials argue that a well-placed minefield could slow or prevent enemy advances, giving their forces a better chance to respond to any military aggression.
Russia has been using landmines extensively in Ukraine, and some NATO countries now believe they should also have the ability to use these weapons for defense. While many nations oppose landmines because they can harm civilians long after a war ends, Poland and the Baltic states argue that national security must come first. Critics of the move worry about the long-term consequences, pointing out that landmines can remain dangerous for decades, posing risks to both military personnel and civilians.
Finland Also Considering Withdrawal
Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are not the only ones reconsidering the landmine treaty. Finland, which joined NATO in 2023, said in December that it might also pull out of the Ottawa Convention. Finnish officials stated that Russia’s actions in Ukraine, including the use of landmines, have forced them to rethink their position on the ban.
The Ottawa Convention has been one of the most important agreements for preventing civilian casualties caused by landmines. However, in the face of growing threats, some NATO members believe they can no longer afford to follow its restrictions. With Poland and the Baltic nations planning to withdraw, the debate over the use of landmines in modern warfare is once again in the spotlight. The international community is now closely watching how this decision will impact NATO’s defense strategy and regional security in Eastern Europe.
