European Members of NATO Could Reconsider Prohibition on Landmines
The defense ministries of Poland and the Baltic states have asserted that an escalating threat from Russia necessitates a significant decision regarding their military strategy. The armed forces of Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are...
TroibNews 
The defense ministries of Poland and the Baltic states have asserted that an escalating threat from Russia necessitates a significant decision regarding their military strategy.
The armed forces of Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are urging their governments to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, an international accord that prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines. They argue that the heightened military threat from Russia requires such a course of action.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the defense ministries of the four NATO nations that border Russia emphasized the necessity for “flexibility and freedom of choice to potentially use new weapons systems and solutions.”
Established in 1997, the Ottawa Treaty seeks to eliminate landmines, given their enduring danger to civilians. It is noteworthy that several major powers, including China, Russia, and the United States, are not signatories to the treaty.
The joint declaration made clear that “despite withdrawing, [the four nations] will remain committed to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians during armed conflict.”
Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia assert that they are under threat of a potential Russian attack. In May, Warsaw launched the extensive 10 billion zloty ‘Eastern Shield’ initiative aimed at strengthening its borders, with senior Polish officials suggesting that anti-personnel landmines could be a vital component of this strategy.
Last year, General Janne Jaakkola, the defense chief of Finland, proposed withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty, noting that anti-personnel mines could be effective against Russian ground forces. Finland, which also shares a border with Russia, became part of NATO in 2023, citing the need for protection from the US-led military alliance.
While Ukraine is technically a signatory of the convention, it has effectively halted its compliance since 2014. The Biden administration has authorized the shipment of landmines to Ukraine, with officials arguing that these weapons would assist in slowing Russian advances.
Russia has consistently rejected any claims of aggressive intentions towards NATO, maintaining that the conflict in Ukraine was instigated by the bloc's expansion towards its borders.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
The armed forces of Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are urging their governments to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, an international accord that prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines. They argue that the heightened military threat from Russia requires such a course of action.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the defense ministries of the four NATO nations that border Russia emphasized the necessity for “flexibility and freedom of choice to potentially use new weapons systems and solutions.”
Established in 1997, the Ottawa Treaty seeks to eliminate landmines, given their enduring danger to civilians. It is noteworthy that several major powers, including China, Russia, and the United States, are not signatories to the treaty.
The joint declaration made clear that “despite withdrawing, [the four nations] will remain committed to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians during armed conflict.”
Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia assert that they are under threat of a potential Russian attack. In May, Warsaw launched the extensive 10 billion zloty ‘Eastern Shield’ initiative aimed at strengthening its borders, with senior Polish officials suggesting that anti-personnel landmines could be a vital component of this strategy.
Last year, General Janne Jaakkola, the defense chief of Finland, proposed withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty, noting that anti-personnel mines could be effective against Russian ground forces. Finland, which also shares a border with Russia, became part of NATO in 2023, citing the need for protection from the US-led military alliance.
While Ukraine is technically a signatory of the convention, it has effectively halted its compliance since 2014. The Biden administration has authorized the shipment of landmines to Ukraine, with officials arguing that these weapons would assist in slowing Russian advances.
Russia has consistently rejected any claims of aggressive intentions towards NATO, maintaining that the conflict in Ukraine was instigated by the bloc's expansion towards its borders.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
