What's happened
Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia announced their intention to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, allowing them to stockpile and use landmines again. This decision is driven by increased military threats from Russia and Belarus, as stated by the countries' defense ministers on March 18, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift
- The withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention marks a significant shift in defense policy for Poland and the Baltic states, reflecting their urgent need to adapt to evolving security threats.
- The defense ministers emphasized the necessity of flexibility in military strategies, stating, "We believe that in the current security environment it is paramount to provide our defense forces flexibility and freedom of choice."
Regional Implications
- This decision could set a precedent for other nations, particularly Finland, which is also considering its stance on the treaty due to similar security concerns.
- The potential reintroduction of landmines raises humanitarian concerns, as these weapons have long-lasting impacts on civilian populations.
Future Outlook
- As tensions with Russia persist, NATO's eastern flank may see increased military readiness, potentially leading to an arms race in the region. The commitment to international humanitarian law remains, but the effectiveness of such commitments in the face of military necessity is questionable.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reported that the withdrawal allows Poland and the Baltic states to stockpile landmines again, citing increased military threats from Russia and Belarus. Business Insider UK highlighted that the defense ministers aim to send a clear message to Russia about their readiness to defend their territories. Al Jazeera noted that despite the withdrawal, these countries remain committed to humanitarian law, emphasizing the need to protect civilians during conflicts. AP News reiterated the deteriorating security situation along NATO's eastern flank, underscoring the urgency behind this decision. Politico pointed out that the ministers believe this move is essential for bolstering defense capabilities against potential aggression.
How we got here
The Ottawa Convention, ratified by over 160 nations, aimed to eliminate anti-personnel landmines. However, the security situation in Eastern Europe has deteriorated since its inception, prompting these countries to reconsider their commitments in light of perceived threats from Russia.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this decision for NATO?
- How might this affect civilian safety in the region?
- What other countries might follow Poland and the Baltics in this decision?
Common question
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Why Are the Baltic States Considering Withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty?
On March 18, 2025, defense ministers from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia recommended withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention due to rising military threats from Russia and Belarus. This decision raises important questions about regional security, NATO's response, and humanitarian implications.
More on these topics
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Latvia, officially known as the Republic of Latvia, is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. Since Latvia’s independence in 1918, it has been referred to as one of the Baltic states.
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Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country located in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative subdivisions, covering an area of 312,696 square kilometres, and has a largely temperate seasonal climate.
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Estonia, officially the Republic of Estonia, is a country on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland across from Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea across from Sweden, to the south by
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Lithuania, officially the Republic of Lithuania, is a country in the Baltic region of Europe. Lithuania is one of the Baltic states. The country is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, to the southeast of Sweden and Denmark.
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Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus and formerly known as Byelorussia or Belorussia, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe.
