Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have announced their withdrawal from the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (Ottawa Convention).
The Polish Ministry of National Defense reported this on X, posting a photocopy of the corresponding statement co-signed by the defense ministers of the four countries, Ukrinform reports.
The ministers’ statement emphasizes that since the ratification of the Convention, the security situation in Eastern Europe has “fundamentally deteriorated”. In particular, threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have “significantly increased”.
“We believe that in the current security environment it is of paramount importance to provide aur defence forces with flexibility and freedom of choice of potential use of new weapon systems and solutions to bolster the defence of the Alliance’s vulnerable Eastern Flank. In light of these considerations, we-the Ministers of Defence of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland-unanimously recommend withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention,” the statement said.
The document emphasizes that the move sends a clear message: “our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our territory and freedom”.
At the same time, it is emphasized that Warsaw, Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn remain committed to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
The ministers noted that the decision had the “understanding and support” from all Allies and partners, who are aware of the security challenges faced by the four countries, and respect their decision.
As reported earlier, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk previously stated Poland’s intention to withdraw from the Ottawa and Dublin Conventions on the prohibition of the use of anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions, given the demands of time and the need to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
Photo: U.S. Marine Corps / Cpl. Jamin M. Powell, illustrative
Source: Poland, Baltic States pulling from anti-personnel landmines convention
