In a unified statement, the defense ministers of Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania declared their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, emphasizing the need for greater military flexibility to safeguard their territories. This decision comes as the regional security landscape has dramatically changed since the treaty's inception in 1997.
**Poland and Baltic States Announce Withdrawal from Anti-Personnel Landmine Treaty Amid Rising Security Concerns**
**Poland and Baltic States Announce Withdrawal from Anti-Personnel Landmine Treaty Amid Rising Security Concerns**
Poland and the Baltic nations are set to exit a key treaty aimed at banning anti-personnel landmines, citing elevated threats from Russia and Belarus.
The countries highlighted that despite this withdrawal, they remain committed to international humanitarian laws aimed at protecting civilians in conflicts. The ministers underscored their readiness to employ all necessary measures for national defense while reiterating adherence to humanitarian principles.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic states have significantly ramped up military expenditures and support for Ukraine, positioning themselves as leading contributors of aid. However, concerns arise regarding the legality of their withdrawal since Article 20 of the Ottawa Convention prohibits nations from exiting the treaty while engaged in conflict.
As the war in Ukraine escalates, which the UN has labeled as the most mined conflict zone globally, the implications of this decision could resonate throughout international military and humanitarian law discussions.
Poland and the Baltic states are preparing to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty against anti-personnel landmines due to perceived threats from Russia and Belarus. They assert the need for increased military capabilities while affirming their dedication to humanitarian laws in armed conflict. Yet, there are legal questions arising from their departure amid ongoing hostilities, particularly with Ukraine being labeled the most mined nation by the UN.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic states have significantly ramped up military expenditures and support for Ukraine, positioning themselves as leading contributors of aid. However, concerns arise regarding the legality of their withdrawal since Article 20 of the Ottawa Convention prohibits nations from exiting the treaty while engaged in conflict.
As the war in Ukraine escalates, which the UN has labeled as the most mined conflict zone globally, the implications of this decision could resonate throughout international military and humanitarian law discussions.
Poland and the Baltic states are preparing to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty against anti-personnel landmines due to perceived threats from Russia and Belarus. They assert the need for increased military capabilities while affirming their dedication to humanitarian laws in armed conflict. Yet, there are legal questions arising from their departure amid ongoing hostilities, particularly with Ukraine being labeled the most mined nation by the UN.
