Overview

• Finland has announced plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, joining Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in prioritizing national defense over treaty commitments.
• These countries cite the need to bolster defenses against potential Russian aggression as the primary reason for leaving the treaty.
• The Ottawa Treaty, signed in 1997 by 164 countries, has been a cornerstone of global arms control, significantly reducing the use of anti-personnel landmines.
• Advocates warn that the treaty's unraveling could lead to increased landmine proliferation and heightened humanitarian risks, particularly for civilians in conflict zones.
• Experts and demining organizations highlight the potential for modernized landmine technology, such as remote detonation, to address security concerns while minimizing long-term harm.