Europe Reconsidering Anti-Personnel Mine Ban With Rising Russia Tensions

Colorful map highlighting Poland and surrounding countries

European nations bordering Russia are abandoning a landmark anti-personnel landmine treaty in response to growing security threats, signaling a dramatic shift in defense priorities as the Ukraine war reshapes military thinking across the continent.

Key Takeaways

Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and now Finland have announced withdrawals from the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines
The decisions reflect growing concerns about Russian aggression following the invasion of Ukraine
The Ukraine war has demonstrated the tactical effectiveness of landmines in defensive operations
Major powers including Russia, China, and the United States never joined the treaty
Humanitarian organizations warn these withdrawals could increase civilian casualties and undermine international humanitarian law

Security Concerns Override Treaty Commitments

Finland recently became the latest European nation to announce its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, following similar decisions by Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. These countries, all sharing borders with Russia or its ally Belarus, cite the changing security landscape and lessons from Ukraine’s defense against Russian invasion as primary motivations. The Ottawa Convention, established in 1999, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines but never secured participation from major powers like Russia, China, and the United States.

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb explained the decision was based on thorough assessments by relevant ministries and defense forces. The Baltic states and Poland released a joint statement emphasizing their need for defense flexibility in the current security environment. All five withdrawing nations maintain they remain committed to responsible mine use that minimizes civilian harm while addressing legitimate defense requirements in the face of an increasingly aggressive Russia.

Finland to Withdraw From Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty | The Defense Post

Finland’s prime minister said Tuesday the country plans to withdraw from the international treaty banning anti-personnel mines, the latest signatory moving to ditch the ban over threats from Russia.… pic.twitter.com/dycnjpQghA

— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) April 2, 2025

Ukraine War Demonstrates Landmine Effectiveness

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has dramatically illustrated the military utility of landmines in defensive operations. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have deployed extensive minefields to deny enemy movement and protect their forces. Military analysts note that Ukraine has become the most heavily mined country in the world, with clearance efforts likely to take decades. This practical demonstration of landmines’ effectiveness in slowing large-scale invasions has forced a reassessment among countries that feel vulnerable to similar threats.

Central and Eastern European nations originally joined the Ottawa Convention in the post-Cold War period as part of their alignment with Western values and institutions. The treaty was presented as what Mozambique’s President Joaquim Chissano called “a driving force … in order to ensure peace, security and prosperity of mankind.” However, the absence of Russia, China, and other major powers from the agreement has limited its effectiveness, with significant stockpiles remaining outside treaty constraints.

Balancing Defense Needs With Humanitarian Concerns

Critics of these withdrawals, including Norway’s foreign minister, warn that abandoning the treaty could reduce the global stigma against landmine use and lead to increased civilian casualties worldwide. Humanitarian organizations emphasize that landmines pose severe long-term risks to civilian populations and can render agricultural land unusable for generations. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines has expressed concern that these decisions undermine decades of progress in stigmatizing these weapons.

Defense specialists counter that smaller nations with limited military capabilities and extensive borders with hostile powers need every available defensive tool. Countries like Finland, Latvia, and Estonia, with long borders facing Russia, are increasing defense spending across the board while seeking cost-effective deterrents. The Ottawa Treaty not only bans deployment but also prohibits manufacture and stockpiling, complicating procurement for countries now seeking to rebuild mine arsenals.

With growing uncertainty about American security commitments to Europe and Russia’s continued aggressive posture, more European nations may reconsider their stance on defensive weapons previously limited by international agreements. These decisions reflect a fundamental reassessment of the balance between humanitarian ideals and national security imperatives in an increasingly dangerous world.