Russian border states eye exit to Ottawa Convention on landmines

Eastern European countries are considering exiting the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines in order to place lethal underground bombs along their borders to prevent potential Russian invasions, according to sources from Fox News Digital. Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia are expected to withdraw from the treaty, with Latvia and Finland also contemplating the idea.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has instructed the Ministry of Defense to initiate the withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention and possibly the Dublin Convention, which governs anti-personnel landmines and the use of cluster munitions. The move comes as pressure mounts among Baltic States and Finland to strengthen their defenses amid the absence of security guarantees from the U.S. to prevent Russian aggression.

Lithuania recently withdrew from the treaty banning cluster munitions, becoming the first EU nation to do so, and is expected to follow suit with the Ottawa Convention. The change in threat assessment due to the proximity to Russian vassal state Belarus has prompted these Eastern European nations to consider the use of landmines as a deterrent.

While Canada has urged these states to remain in the treaty, blaming Russia for their decisions to withdraw, officials in the region argue that the current security situation necessitates a reevaluation of their defense strategies. Finland is still deliberating on the matter, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.

Estonia’s defense ministry stated that while their military assessment remains unchanged, a political decision on the issue is pending. Latvia is also weighing the implications of the withdrawal, particularly with Canadian troops stationed within its borders.

Finland has initiated a report to assess the need for anti-personnel landmines within its borders, with a decision expected in the spring. Behind the scenes, Finnish, Estonian, and Latvian officials have expressed openness to the idea of leaving the treaty.

As Europe takes steps to bolster its defense capabilities in the face of escalating tensions, the withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention signifies a shift towards prioritizing national security. The move is seen as a necessary measure to counter the military advantage Russia holds over these border states.

The use of landmines, when combined with other defense mechanisms such as anti-tank mines and artillery, forms a formidable deterrent against potential aggression. Modern landmines are designed to self-destruct after a set period, minimizing long-term fallout.

The decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention underscores the evolving security landscape in Europe, with nations taking proactive steps to safeguard their borders and interests. As the region navigates the complexities of international relations and security dynamics, the debate over the use of landmines remains a contentious issue with far-reaching implications.