Poland and Baltic Nations Consider Exiting Landmine Treaty Amid Russian Threats

In light of heightened threats from Russia, the defense ministers of Poland and the Baltic states have announced intentions to exit the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel landmines. This move underscores a grim change in the security landscape since these countries joined the treaty, and they seek greater autonomy in their military responses.

Poland and the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—plan to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines due to increasing security risks from Russia and Belarus. In a joint declaration, the defense ministers noted that the military landscape has dramatically changed since they signed the convention, which led to their decision for withdrawal. The Ottawa Treaty, implemented in 1997, restricts the use of anti-personnel mines and has been endorsed by over 160 nations, but significant powers such as the US, Russia, and China remain outside its terms.

Despite their withdrawal intentions, the Baltic states and Poland reaffirm their commitment to international humanitarian law, emphasizing the protection of civilians in conflict situations. All countries involved are NATO members sharing borders with Russia and have significantly increased military spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While Ukraine is also a signatory to the treaty, the ongoing conflict has prompted it to receive landmine assistance from the US, raising questions about treaty compliance amidst warfare. The situation brings attention to Article 20 of the convention, which prohibits withdrawal during active conflict, highlighting the complex implications of their decision.