Poland and Baltic states seek to leave land mine treaty amidst Russian threat

In March 2025, Poland and the Baltic states—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—announced their unanimous recommendation to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, an international treaty that bans the use of antipersonnel land mines. This decision comes in light of escalating military threats from Russia, particularly regarding the security of NATO member states located on the eastern flank. The defense ministers articulated that the security situation has significantly deteriorated since their initial signing of the treaty, with new military developments around borders with Russia and Belarus. As a consequence, these nations feel the need to reassess their military strategies and preparedness. Despite their intention to leave the land mine ban treaty, they have emphasized their commitment to humanitarian principles, stating that they will continue to uphold the protection of civilians even in armed conflict situations. The Ottawa Convention, which came into force in 1999, had previously garnered support from various nations, but several key players, including the United States and Russia, never signed it. Recent reports indicate that land mines are still being actively utilized in conflicts involving several countries in 2023 and 2024, underscoring the ongoing relevance and challenges associated with this issue, particularly for Eastern European nations facing potential aggression. Thus, by signaling their readiness to utilize all necessary military measures to defend their sovereignty, Poland and the Baltic states highlight the growing urgency of their security concerns and their desire to adapt to the evolving military landscape in Europe.