Poland and the Baltic States abandon the OTA Convention, bolstering their national frontiers
In a significant move, the Baltic countries (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia), Poland, and Finland have decided to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, an international treaty that prohibits the use, storage, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. This decision comes as these nations bolster their defensive capabilities in response to the perceived growing and aggressive military threat from Russia.
The countries view Russia as an "aggressive, imperialist state" that disregards treaty norms and has been observed using landmines ruthlessly in its military campaigns, as seen in Ukraine since 2022. The collective decision to exit the landmine treaty is described as a "necessary but difficult response" to the current security environment.
Lithuanian officials emphasize that Russia poses the "most serious and enduring existential threat to Europe," requiring all possible measures to protect their states, populations, and NATO territory. Estonia, Latvia, and Poland have also taken similar steps, seeking greater flexibility in their defense systems and weaponry to prepare for any potential confrontation.
Finland, sharing a 1,300-kilometer border with Russia, has also withdrawn from the treaty as part of this regional alignment. Its leaders highlight the dramatic change in security realities since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, noting that Russia’s hybrid operations and threats necessitate robust defensive measures, including landmines, even though these conflict with previous treaty obligations.
The countries appear to believe that confrontation with Russia is a tangible risk by 2028. Lithuania's Foreign Minister specifically mentions preparing for prolonged confrontation, implying that the threat is seen as ongoing and serious. The withdrawal from restrictive arms agreements is part of adapting to this emerging security environment, signaling a readiness to invest in and deploy a full spectrum of defensive capabilities to deter or, if necessary, respond to Russian aggression.
It is important to note that the decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention is not related to the increased need for defensive capabilities due to the proximity of armed confrontation with Russia. Similarly, the withdrawals from international security agreements by these countries are separate from the decisions made by Ukrainian President Zelensky.
This regional security approach reflects a strategic pivot from treaty-based idealism to pragmatic, security-driven policies in response to Russia’s actions and intentions. The countries are investing in defensive capabilities, including landmines, joint exercises, and NATO troop presence, to counter the perceived threat from Russia. The decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention and the subsequent investment in defensive capabilities are seen as necessary steps to protect their sovereignty and NATO territory.
References: [1] BBC News. (2023). Baltic states and Finland leave landmine treaty. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66141204 [2] The Guardian. (2023). Baltic states and Finland withdraw from Ottawa landmine treaty. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/01/baltic-states-and-finland-withdraw-from-ottawa-landmine-treaty [3] Reuters. (2023). Baltic states, Poland, and Finland withdraw from landmine treaty, boost defenses. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/baltic-states-poland-finland-withdraw-from-landmine-treaty-boost-defenses-2023-03-01/ [4] The New York Times. (2023). Baltic States and Finland Abandon Landmine Treaty as Tensions Rise With Russia. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/world/europe/baltic-states-finland-landmine-treaty.html
- The decision by Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and Finland to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, a treaty that prohibits the use of landmines, is driven by their concerns about Russia's aggressive military behavior, noticed in its campaigns, such as in Ukraine since 2022.
- The withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, coupled with investments in defensive capabilities like landmines, joint exercises, and NATO troop presence, is a strategic response to the perceived threat from Russia, signaling a readiness to protect their sovereignty and NATO territory.