Finland prepares to withdraw from anti-personnel mine ban treaty

On April 2, 2025, Finland announced its decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, a treaty established in 1997 that prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines. Finnish President Alexander Stubb made this announcement following an assessment by military officials and relevant ministries. This decision aligns with similar moves by neighboring countries Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, which declared their non-observance of the treaty in March. These nations have cited increased military threats from Russia and Belarus as a key reason for their action, emphasizing the need to bolster their defense capabilities amidst Russia's aggression in Eastern Europe. Despite not explicitly linking its withdrawal to the Russian threat, Finland shares a border with Russia, which has raised national security concerns, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine. Human Rights Watch has documented that Russian forces have utilized anti-personnel landmines in Ukraine since 2022, prompting fears among NATO members about the implications of such militarization in the region. With Finland's departure, Norway emerges as the only European country bordering Russia that remains committed to the Ottawa Convention, underscoring a significant shift in European defense policies. In reaction to Finland’s announcement, Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, expressed regret over the decision. The treaty, which has helped reduce the deployment and production of anti-personnel mines globally, now faces challenges as more countries within Europe reevaluate their commitments due to trends in global security dynamics. Finland, while preparing to withdraw, has stated that it remains committed to the responsible use of landmines, showing that while it steps away from this international agreement, its approach to military engagements and international obligations will persist. As discussions about the implications of such withdrawals continue, the commitment of NATO countries to enhance their security amid rising tensions, particularly with Russia, takes on renewed urgency. Finland’s decision represents not only a significant policy shift but also reflects a growing trend among European nations reconsidering their defense strategies in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.