Overview

• Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have formally recommended withdrawing from the 1997 Ottawa Treaty banning antipersonnel landmines.
• The defense ministers argue that military threats along NATO's eastern flank have significantly increased due to Russia and Belarus.
• The recommendation is described as a political signal to Moscow rather than an immediate military necessity.
• The countries emphasize they have no plans to develop, stockpile, or use antipersonnel landmines despite the proposed withdrawal.
• Finland is independently considering leaving the treaty but did not join the joint statement issued by the four nations.