Poland and Baltics to quit landmine treaty over Russia fears

Poland and the Baltic nations, which include Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, have made a significant decision to withdraw from a crucial international treaty that bans anti-personnel landmines. This decision comes in response to the increasing threats posed by Russia. In a joint statement, the defense ministers of these countries expressed their concerns, stating that since they signed the Ottawa Treaty, the dangers from Moscow and its ally Belarus have escalated considerably. They emphasized the need to provide their military forces with the necessary flexibility and options to defend NATO's eastern borders. The Ottawa Treaty, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, was established in 1997 with the aim of prohibiting anti-personnel mines worldwide. Over 160 countries have signed this treaty, but several major military powers, including China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and the United States, have not joined. By 2005, all the Baltic states had signed the convention, and Poland followed suit in 2012. On Tuesday, the defense ministers stated that the security situation in their region has significantly worsened since they agreed to the treaty. They declared, 'In light of these considerations, we unanimously recommend withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention. ' This decision sends a clear message that these nations are prepared to take all necessary measures to protect their territory and freedom. Despite their plans to exit the treaty, the ministers assured that Poland and the Baltic states remain committed to international humanitarian laws, which include the protection of civilians during armed conflicts. They wrote, 'Our nations will continue to uphold these principles while addressing our security needs. ' All four countries are members of NATO and share borders with Russia. Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland and the Baltic states have significantly increased their military expenditures and provided substantial support to Ukraine. According to the Kiel Institute think tank, in terms of GDP percentage, Poland and the Baltic states rank among the highest donors of aid to Ukraine. Ukraine is a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty, but during the ongoing invasion by Russia, it has informed the UN that it is adhering to the treaty. However, the treaty specifies that a nation cannot withdraw from it if it is currently engaged in war. As a result, Ukraine is now recognized as the most mined country in the world.