Poland and the Baltic States have announced their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, citing escalating security concerns due to Russian aggression.
Poland and Baltic States Plan Withdrawal from Landmine Ban Treaty Amid Russian Threat
Poland and Baltic States Plan Withdrawal from Landmine Ban Treaty Amid Russian Threat
Defense ministers cite increased regional threats as motivation for the controversial decision
In a notable shift, Poland and the Baltic nations have declared their plans to exit the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits anti-personnel landmines. This decision comes in response to heightened fears over Russian military threats. The defense ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland highlighted that since their initial commitment to the treaty, the situation has notably worsened, necessitating a reassessment of their military strategies.
The Ottawa Treaty, effective since 1997 and embraced by over 160 nations, aims to eliminate landmines — devices primarily targeting individuals. However, major military powers such as Russia, China, and the US have bypassed its regulations. While all Baltic states ratified the treaty by 2005, Poland followed suit in 2012. In their joint statement, the ministers underscored the urgency for their armed forces to possess the tactical flexibility vital for securing NATO’s eastern borders.
Despite their impending withdrawal, the nations reaffirmed a commitment to uphold international humanitarian laws, focusing on civilian protection even as they adapt to their security requirements. The announcement aligns with a broader trend of increased military expenditure among the Baltic states and Poland, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Notably, Slovakia, under the United Nations Convention, cannot withdraw from the treaty while actively engaged in war, a status Ukraine claims as it battles against Russian forces. The UN has reported that Ukraine is now the most heavily mined country globally due to the ongoing conflict, complicating the international community's response to landmine usage in warfare.
War in Ukraine has heightened the urgency for Poland and its Baltic neighbors, shedding light on the fine balance between national security and adherence to international treaties.
The Ottawa Treaty, effective since 1997 and embraced by over 160 nations, aims to eliminate landmines — devices primarily targeting individuals. However, major military powers such as Russia, China, and the US have bypassed its regulations. While all Baltic states ratified the treaty by 2005, Poland followed suit in 2012. In their joint statement, the ministers underscored the urgency for their armed forces to possess the tactical flexibility vital for securing NATO’s eastern borders.
Despite their impending withdrawal, the nations reaffirmed a commitment to uphold international humanitarian laws, focusing on civilian protection even as they adapt to their security requirements. The announcement aligns with a broader trend of increased military expenditure among the Baltic states and Poland, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Notably, Slovakia, under the United Nations Convention, cannot withdraw from the treaty while actively engaged in war, a status Ukraine claims as it battles against Russian forces. The UN has reported that Ukraine is now the most heavily mined country globally due to the ongoing conflict, complicating the international community's response to landmine usage in warfare.
War in Ukraine has heightened the urgency for Poland and its Baltic neighbors, shedding light on the fine balance between national security and adherence to international treaties.
