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Ukraine Moves to Exit Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty With Mapped Deployment Rules

Zelenskiy’s decree sets parliament to ratify Ukraine’s exit from the Ottawa Convention, opening the way for tracked anti-personnel minefields in controlled, mapped zones

Ukrainian serviceman Oleksiy, 26, who lost most of his left leg after being wounded by an anti-personnel mine, stands with other patients of a rehabilitation centre during a minute of silence, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Alina Smutko
Ukrainian serviceman Oleksiy, 26, who lost most of his left leg after being wounded by an anti-personnel mine, exercises at a rehabilitation centre, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Alina Smutko
Ukrainian serviceman Oleksiy, 26, who lost most of his left leg after being wounded by an anti-personnel mine, reacts as he exercises at a rehabilitation centre, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Alina Smutko

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.