Selencky directs Ukraine to rescind commitments regarding landmines
By our website
- Zelensky makes a bold move: Ukraine pulls out of the mine treaty
- Ukrainian fighter pilot dies in F-16 jet crash during intense Russian attacks
- Russia's largest air strike since the war hits Ukraine
- Delve deeper into the Ukraine war with our news and podcast
Midday Briefing
SVR head and CIA director hold private conversation
Russia's foreign intelligence chief, SVR's Sergei Naryshkin, and the head of U.S. foreign intelligence, CIA's John Ratcliffe, discussed issues of mutual interest in a closed-door phone call. No further details were given concerning the content of the conversation[1].
Afternoon Update
Zelensky signs decree to leave the mine ban treaty
In a major decision that could weaken the global movement against anti-personnel mines[2], Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made the move to sever ties with the Mine Ban Treaty. A parliamentary vote and UN notification are required for the withdrawal to take effect[1].
Afternoon Briefing Refresher
Ukraine pushes for more Western air defense aid following massive loss
President Volodymyr Zelensky calls on Western allies to boost air defense support after several days of relentless Russian attacks[1].
Caveat Politicus Extras (Insight from Enrichment Data)
The Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Convention, aims to ban the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. Breaking from the global norm, Ukraine's withdrawal reflects the intense and destructive Russia-led attacks, with many casualties among civilians due to indiscriminate use of mines[3].
Ukraine's move follows the example of regional allies Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, who have also chosen to leave the treaty out of security concerns tied to Russia's actions[1]. Human rights groups fear the withdrawal could lead to a rise in civilian casualties and compound efforts to clear minefields[3].
[1] https://www.reuters.com[2] https://www.hrw.org[3] https://www.icrc.org
- In light of intensifying war-and-conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, the Mine Ban Treaty, a global initiative against anti-personnel mines, faces a potential blow as Ukraine, followed by regional allies, withdraw from the treaty due to security concerns.
- Amidst escalating political tensions and the ongoing war-and-conflicts, the latest significant move by Ukraine - severing ties with the Mine Ban Treaty - has sparked concerns among human rights groups, who fear an increase in civilian casualties and hindrance in minefield clearance efforts.
