• Ukraine's President Zelenskyy signs a decree to withdraw from the Ottawa anti-landmine treaty.
• The decision is justified by Russia's extensive use of anti-personnel mines in Ukraine.
• Parliamentary approval is required for the withdrawal to become official.
• Ukraine aims to enhance its defenses during ongoing conflict with Russia.
• This move follows similar actions by neighboring countries affected by the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree for Ukraine's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines. Senior lawmaker Roman Kostenko announced the decision, referencing Russia’s lack of participation in the convention and its extensive use of mines against Ukraine as key justifications for this significant policy shift. "We cannot remain tied down in conditions where the enemy has no restrictions," Kostenko stated, underlining the urgent need for Ukraine to adapt to wartime realities, according to aa, trtglobal, and channelnewsasia.

The Ottawa Convention, which was signed by Ukraine in 1999 and ratified in 2005, restricts the acquisition and use of anti-personnel mines due to their long-term humanitarian impact. In his address, Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of prioritizing national security during the ongoing conflict, citing Russia’s cynical use of these weapons as a key factor in the withdrawal decision. He reiterated, "This is a hallmark of Russian killers. To destroy life by all means at their disposal," according to reuters and scmp.

The decree will require further ratification by the Ukrainian parliament for the withdrawal to take effect. Lawmakers like Kostenko have indicated that this step is crucial for Ukraine's defense capabilities amid Russia's intensified military actions. The move aligns Ukraine with neighboring countries, such as Finland and Poland, which have also exited the treaty, reflecting their shared security concerns in the face of Russian aggression. The complexities surrounding the withdrawal during wartime are acknowledged, emphasizing the need for decisive action to safeguard Ukrainian sovereignty, according to aa, trtglobal, and reuters.