Key Takeaways:

• Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia plan to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines.
• The withdrawal is driven by increased military threats from Russia and Belarus.
• The countries affirm their commitment to humanitarian law despite the decision.

In a significant policy shift, NATO members Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have announced their intention to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention which bans anti-personnel landmines. Citing escalating military threats from neighboring Russia, the defense ministers of these countries stated that this decision is necessary to strengthen their national security and regional defense capabilities. “Military threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased,” they declared in a joint statement on Tuesday, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The 1997 treaty has been ratified by over 160 nations; however, Russia and the United States are among those that have not signed it. While the planned withdrawal will allow Poland and the Baltic states to stockpile and potentially utilize landmines, officials have stated they currently have no intention to do so. “We currently have no plans to develop, stockpile, or use previously banned antipersonnel landmines,” said Estonia’s Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur, reinforcing their commitment to international humanitarian law and civilian protection according to the South China Morning Post.

The decision comes amid rising concerns that a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine could lead Russia to rearm and shift its focus towards the Baltics and Poland, all of which were once under Soviet influence. In anticipation of possible military escalation, this quartet of countries is taking proactive measures to adjust their defense strategies, as noted by Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene, who emphasized the need for effective protection of their borders as they move forward with the withdrawal process.

The international landscape surrounding military engagements continues to evolve, with Finland also considering a similar exit from the treaty, citing threats from Russia’s involvement in Ukraine. In light of these developments, the decision by Poland and the Baltic states could set a precedent for other NATO countries as they reassess their military positions in response to regional security dynamics. For more details, visit Reuters.