Archive · 30 Jun 2025
Ukraine and Allies to Withdraw from Landmine Treaty
Some countries are deciding to leave a treaty that bans landmines.
Ukraine, along with others near Russia, is doing this because they say Russia is using a lot of these mines in the war.
They want to be able to use these weapons for their defense, and some also feel that it puts them on a more equal footing with Russia, who never signed the treaty.
This decision has caused concerns and could reverse years of work to get rid of these dangerous weapons.
Also, less money is being given to remove landmines.
Ukraine will withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines.
Several countries bordering Russia, including Finland, Poland, and the Baltic states, are withdrawing or have indicated plans to do so.
Ukraine cited Russia's extensive use of landmines in the ongoing war as the reason for its withdrawal.
Some countries feel withdrawal puts them on a more equal footing with Russia, which did not sign the treaty.
U.S. funding cuts have impacted global demining efforts.
- Who
- Ukraine, Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, among others.
- What
- Several countries, including Ukraine, are withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines.
- When
- Announcements made recently.
- Where
- Ukraine and other countries bordering Russia.
- Why
- Countries cite growing military threats, Russia's use of landmines, and a desire for equal footing with Russia.
Pro-Withdrawal
Anti-Withdrawal
Reasoning
Pro-Withdrawal
Withdrawal allows for self-defense and places countries on equal footing with Russia.
Anti-Withdrawal
Withdrawal threatens to reverse decades of work to rid the world of landmines, leading to casualties
- Treaty
- Ottawa Convention (banning anti-personnel landmines)
- Withdrawals
- Ukraine, Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
- Reason for withdrawal
- Russia's use of landmines
- Key Players
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres
- Additional Fact
- U.S. funding cuts have hurt demining
Sources
Ukraine on track to withdraw from Ottawa anti-personnel mines treaty, Zelenskiy decree shows
Ukraine on track to withdraw from Ottawa anti-personnel mines treaty, lawmaker says
Volodymyr Zelensky Says Ukraine To Align With EU Sanctions On Iran, Calls Tehran One Of The 'Most Brutal Regimes'