The defense ministers from Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have announced plans to exit the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits anti-personnel mines, citing increased threats from Russia. While emphasizing adherence to humanitarian principles, they stress the need for enhanced military flexibility to safeguard their territories.
Poland and Baltic States Announce Withdrawal from Landmine Treaty Amid Rising Security Concerns
Poland and Baltic States Announce Withdrawal from Landmine Treaty Amid Rising Security Concerns
In light of escalating threats from Russia, Poland and the Baltic nations are opting to withdraw from the Mine Ban Treaty, reaffirming their commitment to national defense.
Poland and the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have made a significant announcement regarding their future military strategy, declaring their intent to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, which globally bans anti-personnel landmines. This decision reflects marked concerns over rising threats from Russia and its ally Belarus.
In a unified statement released by their defense ministers, the nations articulated how security conditions in their region have "significantly deteriorated" since their initial signatures on the treaty, with Poland joining the agreement in 2012, while the Baltic states became signatories by 2005. The ministers emphasized the necessity to give their armed forces "flexibility and freedom of choice" to defend NATO's eastern borders effectively.
The Ottawa Treaty, which came into effect in 1997, has more than 160 nations as parties, yet major military powers, including China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and the USA, have remained outside its jurisdiction. Although Poland and the Baltic states are moving towards withdrawal, they reaffirm their commitment to international humanitarian laws, stressing their obligation to protect civilians during conflict.
The geopolitical landscape has shifted, particularly since Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which catalyzed a significant increase in military spending and support for Ukraine among these nations. The Kiel Institute think tank notes that the Baltic states and Poland contribute notably high percentages of GDP in assistance to Ukraine. Despite being a signatory of the treaty, Ukraine has received landmines from the U.S., citing its inability to comply due to the ongoing invasion. Notably, Article 20 of the Ottawa Convention states that nations cannot withdraw while at war.
Currently, the UN designates Ukraine as the most mined nation worldwide, highlighting the severe impacts of the ongoing conflict. As Poland and the Baltic states pursue this strategic shift, they convey a clear message of readiness to defend their sovereignty in the face of escalating threats.
