Regardless of the decision of respective NATO allies, the German government remains at the global ban on anti-personnel mines. However, “behind the scenes is simply a large knowing of the announcements” of countries wishing to step out of the Ottawa Convention prohibiting this weapon,” says the ZDF's online public tv portal. Poland and the Baltic countries late announced this intention, and Finland besides announced last Tuesday (1 April).
"In the face of the Russian Assault War, it is understandable that the issue of effective defence measures is more urgent than ever, especially in Poland and the Baltic States," the German diplomatic sources quoted by the ZDF inform.
On 4 April, the global Day of Mine cognition and Mine Prevention Activities is celebrated. According to ZDF, it is simply a uncommon chance to draw attention to the victims of forgotten conflicts and the threat of anti-personnel mines.
"This year it is more current than ever. For anti-personnel mines, weapons banned in a large part of the world, can have their 'comeback' – in Europe, straight at our door," writes Nils Metzger.
Russia besides uses mines
Anti-personnel mines, frequently affected by civilians, were banned under the 1997 Ottawa Convention, signed by 164 countries. According to ZDF, it is 1 of the most successful treaties on arms control.
As quoted by the European Council of abroad Relations (ECFR) expert station Rafael Loss' acquisition of anti-personnel mines by the countries that have announced the denunciation of the convention seems to be “only a substance of time”. He points out that the usage of this weapon on the east NATO flank would affect not only the Finns, Poles and Baltics, but besides NATO forces from another associate States that would be deployed in this area. "The deployment must always be coordinated within NATO. Russia besides uses large-scale anti-personnel mines," we read.
The expert points out that there are inactive applicable obstacles to the usage of anti-personnel mines, as the Ottawa Convention besides prohibits the development, production and trade of specified weapons. With the exception of the USA, all NATO countries are parties to the Treaty and so the number of possible suppliers is limited.
"From a military point of view, anti-personnel mines are fundamentally aimed at preventing and slowing down infantry attacks. In Ukraine Russia throws infantry waves against Ukrainian defence, consistently capturing the area at large cost. Anti-personnel mines can aid prevent mass attacks on defensive positions," explains Loss, quoted by the German portal. Thus the Russian attack would be halted until reinforcements from the another States of the Alliance arrived. The ZDF points out that the Baltic countries are besides strengthening their external borders through the alleged "Baltic Defence Line" – bunkers and tank dams. Anti-personnel mines would be deployed here in an emergency.
Every step threatens to die
The Berlin paper “Der Tagesspiegel” besides writes about anti-personnel mines. The paper examines the reasons for Finland's decision to retreat from the Ottawa Convention a fewer days ago. According to the Helsinki Government, Moscow is simply a "long-term threat" to Europe. "Russia is conducting a conventional mass war against Ukraine, and anti-personnel mines are seen as a tool against this kind of war effort, especially given Finland's 1340-kilometre border with Russia," says writer Joel Linnainmäki. In his opinion, both expanding the investment in arms and withdrawing from the convention are intended to "ensure citizens that Finland is prepared and that the government is actively reacting and moving in a hard geopolitical environment".
The decisions to terminate the Ottawa Convention are criticised by NGOs who have sought to ban anti-personnel mines in the past. “The way to school, to the field – all roads that are beaten all day become a threat to life,” says Tsafrir Cohen, Managing manager of the medico global organization. "In particular, children are among the victims. Above all, however, mines proceed to kill decades after the end of wars," he adds.
In addition, the removal of explosives is “very costly and dangerous”, says Cohen. According to the United Nations, producing a mine costs 3 dollars and removing it around $1,000. According to Cohen, returning to anti-personnel mines "does not contribute to peace order, but prevents reconstruction and safety for the coming decades."
