Overview

• Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have formally announced their intent to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines.
• The joint decision is attributed to a 'fundamentally deteriorated' security environment and increased military threats from neighboring Russia and Belarus.
• The withdrawal must still be approved by the national parliaments of the four countries, with the process expected to take six months after approval.
• Despite the planned withdrawal, the countries emphasized their continued commitment to international humanitarian law and civilian protection during conflicts.
• Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have criticized the move, warning of the long-term humanitarian risks posed by landmines.