Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Defense Ministers have recommended the country's withdrawal from the international treaty banning mines and mines, also known as the Ottawa Convention, according to Politico.
" arms threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have increased significantly," the statement released by the four countries on March 18 said.
"We believe that in the current security environment, the ultimate priority is to provide our defense forces with flexibility and freedom of choice to be able to use new weapons systems and solutions to strengthen the defense of the vulnerable eastern flank of the alliance," the statement said.
Reuters pointed out that the withdrawal from the 1997 treaty, which has been ratified or attended by more than 160 countries, will allow Poland and the three Baltic states to return to mine reserves.
The Ottawa Convention is under increasing pressure as the Russia-Ukraine conflict has prompted neighboring countries to strengthen their borders with Russia.
The Defense Ministers' documents dated March 18 are likely to make the withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention easier.
In early March 2025, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Poland would begin implementing steps to leave the treaty. Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have long considered withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention and are seeking a common regional decision.
Politico pointed out that this is a political signal sent to Moscow, not a move reflecting urgent military needs.
In early March, Latvia defense chief general Kaspars pudans revealed that the country's priority was still anti-tank and anti-personnel mines and artillery shells.
In December last year, Finland said it was considering withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention because Russia used weapons banned in the treaty in Ukraine. However, Finland was not a signer of the statement on March 18.
