US EditionFinland's Strategic Shift: Ditching the Ottawa Convention for Defense
- On June 19, 2025, Finland's parliament decided to withdraw from the international treaty prohibiting the use of anti-personnel mines as part of efforts to strengthen security along its 1,340-kilometre frontier with Russia.
- This decision follows earlier withdrawals by Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in 2025 amid regional security concerns fueled by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and evolving threats.
- The Baltic countries intend to produce and install a large number of electronically monitored and remotely disabled landmines as part of their border defenses, signaling a significant shift from Europe's prior policy.
- One hundred Nobel laureates warned the withdrawals could endanger civilians and undermine global disarmament progress, while UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed grave concern about weakening civilian protection.
- By formally withdrawing, these countries will legally produce and deploy landmines, risking diplomatic tensions with the UN and EU allies and signaling a significant regional security shift.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Finland has seen itself forced by Putin's Ukraine war to withdraw from the Anti-Mining Convention. This does not bring more security, comments our Finnish partner newspaper »Kansan Uutiset«.
Lithuania prepares mine defences at border
In a dramatic move that breaks decades of international consensus, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania have initiated the process of withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty. This global agreement bans antipersonnel mines. Their goal is to defend their borders with weapons, as was done during the brutality of the Cold War. Lithuania’s government confirmed plans to manufacture and deploy hundreds of thousands… Source
Finland's Strategic Shift: Ditching the Ottawa Convention for Defense
Finland's parliament voted to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention on land mines as it enhances defenses against Russia. This move follows Finland's NATO membership and aligns with regional concerns over Russia's activities. The decision reflects growing tensions and potential security implications in the Nordics and Baltics.
Nobel Laureates Urge Baltic States, Poland, Finland to Reconsider Landmine Treaty Withdrawal - teleSUR English
The Nobel laureates also criticized Lithuania’s recent exit from the Convention on Cluster Munitions. On Monday, the Baltic News Service (BNS) reported that 100 Nobel Prize laureates has called on Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, and Finland to reconsider their plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, an international treaty that bans the use of anti-personnel landmines. RELATED: Somalia: Training Enhances Fight Against Landmines In a st…
100 Nobel Prize winners call upon Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Poland and Lithuania to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines.
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