Poland and Baltic States Recommend Withdrawal from Antipersonnel Mine Treaty

Citing increased security threats from Russia and Belarus, the four NATO members seek flexibility in defense strategies while reaffirming commitments to humanitarian law.

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.