Why are Ukraine and its neighbours leaving the landmine ban treaty?

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Ukraine and Neighbours Cite Growing Russian Military Threat for Landmine Treaty Withdrawal

Ukraine and several of its neighbours bordering Russia are signalling their withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines. This decision is primarily driven by escalating military threats perceived from Russia, which has not ratified the treaty. The withdrawals could allow these nations to resume the production, use, stockpiling, and transfer of landmines, potentially levelling the playing field against Russia.
Increased Military Danger from Russia

Nato members Finland, Poland, and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, all sharing borders with Russia, have either withdrawn from the convention or indicated their intention to do so. This collective move underscores a heightened sense of military vulnerability among these nations due to their proximity to Russia. Some European countries have expressed fears that Russia might exploit any lull in conflict to re-arm and target them, necessitating a reassessment of their defensive capabilities.
Ukraine's Specific Reasons for Withdrawal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine is pulling out of the Convention because Russia has extensively employed anti-personnel mines in Ukrainian territories throughout the ongoing war. Zelenskiy also highlighted the strategic importance of these mines, describing them as "often the instrument for which nothing can be substituted for defence purposes." This suggests Ukraine views anti-personnel mines as a critical component of its defence strategy in the current conflict.
Rebalancing Against a Non-Signatory

The decision by these countries to exit the 1997 treaty is also seen as a strategic move to place themselves on a more equal footing with Russia. As Russia has not signed or ratified the Ottawa Convention, it remains free to produce and deploy landmines without international restriction. By withdrawing, Ukraine and its neighbours aim to gain the same operational flexibility, allowing them to utilise landmines in their defence efforts against a perceived threat from a nation that does not adhere to the ban.

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Why are Ukraine and its neighbours leaving the landmine ban treaty?

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