Baltic Defense Ministers Support Their Countries’ Withdrawal from Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty

Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland have announced plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines.

The decision, endorsed by the defense ministers of these countries, was made public in a joint statement on Tuesday, March 18.

The move comes in response to the deteriorating security situation in the region, with a significant rise in military threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus.

Therefore, the ministers believe that, in light of the unstable security environment, it is essential to assess all measures to strengthen the deterrence and defense capabilities of the countries against potential aggression.

“We believe that, given the current security environment, it is crucial to provide our armed forces with the flexibility and options regarding the potential use of modern weapon systems and solutions to enhance the protection of the eastern flank of the Alliance,” the statement reads.

The decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use, accumulation, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, still needs to be approved by the parliaments of the countries.

The statement emphasizes that anti-personnel mines are an effective and relatively inexpensive means of defense. This weapon allows for disrupting the movement of enemy infantry and creating a “strong and durable defensive line that blocks invading forces.”

The ministers emphasize that, despite denouncing the Ottawa Convention, the countries will continue to adhere to the recognized principles and norms of international humanitarian law regarding methods and means of warfare and the protection of civilians.

On March 7, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Poland‘s intention to withdraw from the conventions banning anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions during a speech in the Sejm.

In January, Lithuania began exploring the option of withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, driven by the need to enhance national defense and deterrence capabilities.

The Baltic countries’ plans to withdraw from the treaty banning anti-personnel mines were first revealed in February 2024.

In addition, Lithuania officially withdrew from the international convention banning the purchase, use, and production of cluster munitions on March 6, 2025.