In a decisive move reflecting escalating security concerns, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have announced plans to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines. This decision underscores the nations’ intent to bolster their defensive capabilities in response to perceived threats from Russia and Belarus.
The defense ministers of the four NATO member countries issued a joint statement emphasizing the deteriorating security environment along NATO’s eastern borders. They highlighted the necessity for flexibility in defense strategies to effectively protect their territories.
The statement read: “Military threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased. In light of this unstable security environment marked by Russia’s aggression and its ongoing threat to the Euro-Atlantic community, it is essential to evaluate all measures to strengthen our deterrence and defence capabilities.”
This collective move requires parliamentary approval within each country. Notably, Finland is also contemplating a similar withdrawal, reflecting a broader regional reassessment of defense postures. Estonia’s defense minister, Hanno Pevkur, clarified that while the decision provides strategic options, there are currently no plans to develop, stockpile, or deploy previously banned anti-personnel landmines.
The decision to exit the Ottawa Convention aligns with these nations’ broader efforts to enhance their military readiness. Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland have endorsed increasing defense spending to 5% of their GDP, surpassing NATO’s current goal of 2%. Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has advocated for doubling the size of the armed forces and exploring the development of nuclear capabilities to deter potential aggression.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern over this development. Amnesty International and other groups urge adherence to international conventions designed to protect civilians, emphasizing that landmines can have devastating humanitarian consequences long after conflicts end. They warn that unexploded munitions can effectively create minefields, posing risks for years or even decades.
The backdrop to this decision includes Russia’s announcement to increase troop presence near the Baltic states and Finland. However, Western intelligence suggests that Russia’s military commitments in Ukraine may limit its capacity to bolster forces elsewhere.
Poland and the Baltic states’ planned withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention signifies a strategic shift in their defense policies, driven by heightened security concerns. While aiming to enhance military deterrence, this move raises important discussions about the balance between national security and humanitarian considerations.
