Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania argue that increased threats from Russia necessitate a reevaluation of their defense strategies as they seek greater military flexibility.
Poland and Baltic States Set to Exit Landmine Treaty Amid Russian Threats
Poland and Baltic States Set to Exit Landmine Treaty Amid Russian Threats
In a move reflecting escalating security concerns, Poland and the Baltic nations announce intent to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines.
Poland and the Baltic states have made an impactful announcement regarding their intentions to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, an international pact that bans anti-personnel landmines. Citing heightened security threats from Russia and Belarus, the defense ministers from these nations emphasized the need for increased military flexibility to safeguard their eastern flank under NATO.
Since the treaty's inception in 1997, signed by over 160 countries, geopolitical dynamics have shifted significantly, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The joint statement underscores that the specific security situation in their region has deteriorated markedly, leading to their unanimous recommendation to exit the treaty.
Despite this decision, the ministers were keen to highlight their continued commitment to international humanitarian laws, ensuring the protection of civilians during conflicts. Each country, which borders Russia, has ramped up military expenditures and support to Ukraine, reflecting a significant pivot towards enhancing their collective security stature.
Interestingly, although Ukraine is a signatory to the treaty, it has been operating under the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, receiving landmines from the U.S. and indicating difficulty in adhering to the treaty obligations due to the ongoing war.
As Poland and the Baltic states navigate this new phase of defense policy, their stance comes with a commitment to uphold humanitarian principles even as they respond to the deteriorating security landscape in Eastern Europe.
Since the treaty's inception in 1997, signed by over 160 countries, geopolitical dynamics have shifted significantly, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The joint statement underscores that the specific security situation in their region has deteriorated markedly, leading to their unanimous recommendation to exit the treaty.
Despite this decision, the ministers were keen to highlight their continued commitment to international humanitarian laws, ensuring the protection of civilians during conflicts. Each country, which borders Russia, has ramped up military expenditures and support to Ukraine, reflecting a significant pivot towards enhancing their collective security stature.
Interestingly, although Ukraine is a signatory to the treaty, it has been operating under the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, receiving landmines from the U.S. and indicating difficulty in adhering to the treaty obligations due to the ongoing war.
As Poland and the Baltic states navigate this new phase of defense policy, their stance comes with a commitment to uphold humanitarian principles even as they respond to the deteriorating security landscape in Eastern Europe.
