Overview
- On June 29, President Zelenskiy signed a decree formalizing Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, with parliament expected to ratify the move.
- Ukrainian officials say any future minefields will use tracked, non-persistent anti-personnel devices and follow strict mapping and rapid-clearance protocols.
- Kyiv has not reported large-scale deployment of anti-personnel mines under its new legal framework so far.
- Poland, Finland and the Baltic states have announced similar Treaty withdrawals, signaling a broader regional shift away from the Mine Ban Convention.
- Kyiv argues that minefields bolster defense amid shortages of artillery, munitions and infantry, while campaigners warn of long-term civilian harm.