President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree enacting the decision of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention.
The relevant decree, No.441/2025, was published on the official website of the head of state, as reported by Ukrinform.
“To enact the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine dated June 29, 2025, titled ‘On Ukraine’s Withdrawal from the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, dated September 18, 1997 (attached),’” the decree states.
Responsibility for implementing the decision has been assigned to the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.
The decree takes effect immediately upon its publication.
Earlier, Roman Kostenko, MP and Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defens and Intelligence, announced the signing of the decree via Facebook.
He described the move as a long-overdue response to the realities of war.
“Russia is not a party to this Convention and is extensively using mines against both our military and civilians. We cannot remain constrained while the enemy operates without restrictions,” Kostenko stated.
He added that the matter is now expected to be reviewed by the Verkhovna Rada. “Legislative approval of this decision should finally restore Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory effectively,” the MP emphasized
As reported by Ukrinform, on June 26, the Polish Sejm voted to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines.
Previously, the parliaments of Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and Finland had also approved similar withdrawals from the treaty.
Photo: President’s Office
Source: Zelensky signs decree on Ukraine’s withdrawal from anti-personnel mine ban convention
