(MENAFN) Finland has officially declared its decision to exit the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use, stockpiling, and production of anti-personnel landmines, citing escalating security concerns in its region. The announcement was made Friday by the Finnish Foreign Ministry.

The country's withdrawal will take effect in January 2024, according to a Finnish state broadcaster.

Finland originally signed the treaty in 2012, which prohibits the use of landmines. However, with mounting pressure from regional security issues, particularly the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Finland has decided to follow in the footsteps of neighboring countries—including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland—that border Russia.

"The decision to withdraw from the Convention is based on Finland’s defence needs in the deteriorated security environment," the Foreign Ministry said. "The withdrawal will enable Finland to reintroduce anti-personnel mines to the range of its available means of defence," it added.

Despite this shift, Finland reaffirmed its commitment to the humanitarian objectives of the Ottawa Treaty and emphasized its ongoing support for global demining efforts.

In June, the Finnish parliament overwhelmingly supported the government's withdrawal proposal, passing the measure by a 157-18 vote.

President Alexander Stubb addressed critics of the decision, defending the move as vital for Finland’s national defense. “Finland is not facing an immediate military threat, but the changes in the operating environment require that we strengthen our defense,” he said.

He further explained, “We have a long border with Russia, which is not a party to the Ottawa Agreement. We have seen how Russia wages war today,” referencing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader regional instability.

Finland shares the longest border with Russia of any NATO member, stretching a vast 1,300 kilometers (808 miles). Historically, Finland fought a brief but fierce war against the Soviet Union in 1939-1940, after Soviet forces crossed the Finnish border at the onset of World War II.

This decision marks a significant shift in Finland's defense policy as it adapts to the rapidly changing security landscape in Europe.

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