Finland and Baltic States Exit Landmine Treaty Over Security Concerns

The withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty by five European nations highlights tensions between national defense priorities and global arms control efforts.

Finland, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia have formally announced plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, citing threats from Russian aggression.
This marks a significant shift in European defense policy, with these nations emphasizing the military utility of landmines for territorial defense.
The move has been criticized by humanitarian organizations and countries like Norway, which stress the long-term risks to civilians and the erosion of international norms.
Modern landmine technologies, including remotely deactivatable mines, are being discussed as potential ways to balance military needs with humanitarian concerns.
Global demining efforts face setbacks due to U.S. funding cuts, with Ukraine now recognized as the most heavily mined country in the world.