Overview

• Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have formally declared their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, pending parliamentary approval in each country.
• The defense ministers of the four nations argue that the security situation in Eastern Europe has deteriorated significantly due to Russian aggression and threats from Belarus.
• The withdrawal is positioned as a measure to provide defense forces with greater flexibility to strengthen NATO's Eastern Flank, though no immediate plans to use anti-personnel mines were announced.
• Critics, including human rights organizations, warn the decision undermines protections for civilians, with concerns over the long-term risks posed by landmines.
• The move comes as the war in Ukraine highlights the widespread use of landmines, making the region's security challenges more acute.