Archive · 30 Jun 2025
Ukraine to Withdraw From Landmine Ban, Citing Russian Actions
Ukraine is planning to stop following a rule about landmines, a type of bomb that hurts people.
This rule, made in 1997, is called the Ottawa Convention and says countries shouldn't use these landmines.
Ukraine is leaving because Russia, which it is at war with, uses these landmines and isn't following the rule.
Ukraine believes that being part of the rule puts it at a disadvantage.
Leaving the rule requires a vote and a notice, which will take about six months.
Some of Ukraine's friends, like Latvia and Lithuania, have already left this rule too.
Ukraine says Russia uses landmines cruelly and that it needs to protect itself.
Getting rid of all the landmines in Ukraine could take a very long time.
Ukraine is withdrawing from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel landmines.
The decision, announced by President Zelenskyy, cites Russia's use of landmines and national security needs as primary reasons.
Ukraine's withdrawal requires parliamentary ratification and formal UN notification, which takes effect six months after.
The move aligns with recent withdrawals from the treaty by several of Ukraine's NATO allies bordering Russia.
Ukraine argues that the treaty puts them at a military disadvantage against Russia, which is not a signatory.
- Who
- Ukraine, led by President Zelenskyy, is withdrawing from the treaty.
- What
- Ukraine is withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.
- When
- President Zelenskyy signed a decree on June 29 initiating the withdrawal, with the withdrawal taking effect six months after formal notification to the UN.
- Where
- Ukraine.
- Why
- Ukraine cites Russia's use of landmines and national security needs as the primary reasons for withdrawal.
Pro-Withdrawal
N/A
Military Strategy
Pro-Withdrawal
Ukraine believes the Ottawa Convention puts them at a military disadvantage against Russia, which uses landmines extensively.
N/A
N/A
Asymmetric Warfare
Pro-Withdrawal
Ukraine is responding to the reality of asymmetric warfare, where Russia uses landmines indiscriminately against both military and civilian targets.
N/A
N/A
- Treaty
- Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty)
- Withdrawal Initiated
- June 29
- Effective Date
- Six months after UN notification
- Reason for Withdrawal
- National Security, Russia's use of landmines
- Ukraine Ratified
- 2005
- Ukraine's Allies Withdrawals
- Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Poland, and Estonia