The joint decision of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to terminate the Ottawa Convention, prohibiting the usage of anti-personnel mines, has sparked broad discussions on the global stage. As the defence ministers of these countries emphasise, this decision responds to the worsening safety situation in the region, caused by Russia's aggressive policy.
An unstable safety environment
"In the light of the unstable safety environment marked by Russia's aggression and its continuing threat to the Euro-Atlantic community, it is essential to measure all means of deterrence and defence", says the joint message of defence ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.
As noted, military threats to NATO associate States bordering Russia and Belarus have increased significantly. "Since the ratification of the Convention on the Prohibition of the usage of Anti-personnel Mines (Ottawsk Convention), the safety situation in our region has deteriorated considerably", stressed the heads of the Defence Ministry.
Flexibility in access to weapons
All 4 countries agreed that access to arms should not be restricted in any way in the present circumstances. "In the current safety environment, it is highly crucial to supply our defence forces with flexibility and freedom to choose the possible usage of fresh weapons and solutions to strengthen the defence of the susceptible east Alliance flank," the Communication states.
Defence ministers stressed that the decision to retreat from the Ottawa Convention is essential to guarantee effective defence of the territory and freedoms of their countries. "In the light of these considerations, we, the defence ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, unanimously urge withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention. erstwhile we make this decision, we send a clear message: our countries are prepared and can usage all the essential means to defend our territory and freedom" added.
Obligation to global law
Despite the decision to terminate the treaty, these countries guarantee that they stay faithful to global humanitarian law. "Despite our withdrawal, we will stay committed to global humanitarian law, including civilian protection during the armed conflict. Our peoples will proceed to follow these principles, while at the same time gathering our safety needs," said the statement.
What does this mean for the region?
The decision of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia falls within the broader context of strengthening the defence of the east flank of NATO. In the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine and the continuing threat from Russia and Belarus, these countries must be prepared for all scenario. Denunciation of the Ottawa Convention is another step towards greater flexibility in defence.
Summary
The decision to denounce the Ottawa Convention by Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia is simply a consequence to real military threats in the region. Although controversial, in the current geopolitical situation it may be a essential step to guarantee territorial safety and defence.
Statement by the Defence Ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland on the termination of the Ottawa Conventionhttps://t.co/cnM8zI05tD
— Ministry of Defence (@MON_GOV_PL) March 18, 2025
Lithuania, Poland, Latvia and Estonia have announced their withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personal Mines. pic.twitter.com/cwrgtyZRTl
— MOD Lithuanian (@Lithuanian_MoD) March 18, 2025
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Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia resign from the Ottawa Convention
