Four Eastern European countries say they want to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty on Landmines, citing “Russian invasion” and “disastrous security challenges” on NATO's “vulnerable eastern side.”
Defense Ministers of Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – Given their proximity to Russian borders, Soviet post-NATO members most talk about how they feel vulnerable to Putin's attacks are the most vulnerable, advised the government to withdraw from the major arms control treaty.
Military leaders say the treaty on the prohibition of the use, stockpiling, production and relocation of anti-personnel mines, and its destruction (the “Ottawa Treaty”) prevents them from taking all options to protect themselves from Russia. As a result, despite their commitment to “international humanitarian law” and treaty principles, they said it was time to abandon it.
In the joint letter, the pastor said “since ratification… the security situation in our region has been fundamentally worsening,” saying “Russian attacks and its ongoing threat” have become a threat to NATO's “vulnerable eastern flank.”
Fornations said it no longer believes that the terms of the treaty limit all weapons options. They said, “It is utmost important to provide our defense force with the freedom to choose the potential use of the new weapons system,” and “We are sending a clear message. Our country is prepared and we can use all necessary measures to protect our territory and freedom.”
The broader attitude of impending retraction and compliance with treaties highlights the key issues of international law. In other words, the state respects the treaty when it meets it, and spurs it when it does not.
The most powerful countries did not adhere to it in the first place – the US, China, and Russia were never signatories – and there are no global police or space courts to enforce it anyway.
Russia used anti-pannel mines extensively during its invasion of Ukraine, and the US initially resisted supplying controversial weapons to Ukraine as part of its support package, but later relented.
The Biden White House cited Russia, days after Trump won the 2024 election, that despite Ukraine being a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty, switched to a disembarking tactic of advancing with infantry to justify its policy changes.
