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European NATO members possibly to remove prohibition on landmines
(MENAFN) The defense ministries of Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania have urged their governments to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel landmines, citing growing security concerns over Russia.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, the four NATO members bordering Russia emphasized the need for “greater flexibility” in deploying defensive measures, including potential new weapons systems.
The Ottawa Treaty, signed in 1997, was designed to eliminate landmines due to their long-term threat to civilians. However, key military powers such as China, Russia, and the United States never signed the agreement.
Despite advocating for an exit, the Baltic nations and Poland stressed their continued commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. Warsaw, which recently launched the $2.6 billion ‘Eastern Shield’ border defense project, has hinted that landmines could be a key component of its security strategy.
Finland’s defense chief previously suggested that his country—another NATO member bordering Russia—should also reconsider the treaty, arguing that landmines would be effective against a potential Russian incursion. Meanwhile, Ukraine, though technically a treaty signatory, has suspended its participation since 2014.
Moscow has repeatedly denied any intention to attack NATO countries, maintaining that the Ukraine conflict stems from the alliance’s continued expansion toward Russia’s borders.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, the four NATO members bordering Russia emphasized the need for “greater flexibility” in deploying defensive measures, including potential new weapons systems.
The Ottawa Treaty, signed in 1997, was designed to eliminate landmines due to their long-term threat to civilians. However, key military powers such as China, Russia, and the United States never signed the agreement.
Despite advocating for an exit, the Baltic nations and Poland stressed their continued commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. Warsaw, which recently launched the $2.6 billion ‘Eastern Shield’ border defense project, has hinted that landmines could be a key component of its security strategy.
Finland’s defense chief previously suggested that his country—another NATO member bordering Russia—should also reconsider the treaty, arguing that landmines would be effective against a potential Russian incursion. Meanwhile, Ukraine, though technically a treaty signatory, has suspended its participation since 2014.
Moscow has repeatedly denied any intention to attack NATO countries, maintaining that the Ukraine conflict stems from the alliance’s continued expansion toward Russia’s borders.
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