Zelensky Withdraws From Ottawa Convention Amid Escalating Mine Use in War
President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention represents a landmark shift in Ukraine’s defense strategy amidst the ongoing war. The 1997 treaty, which bans the production, stockpiling, and use of anti-personnel landmines, was signed by over 160 countries. Zelensky’s decision follows a similar move by the Baltic states and Poland, indicating a growing consensus among neighboring nations to adapt their defense policies in the context of the war.
Zelensky’s rationale for the decision was clear, as he stated in a recent post: ‘Russia has never been a party to this convention and uses anti-personnel mines extremely cynically.’ The president emphasized that Russia’s use of landmines is a method of warfare that endangers both military and civilian populations. Anti-personnel mines are scattered across the battlefield in Ukraine, with soldiers and civilians often losing their feet or limbs due to detonations. Territories liberated by Ukraine since 2022 have been heavily covered with mines, making it extremely difficult and dangerous to clear them.
Russia has used more than a dozen variants of anti-personnel mines in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion in 2022, according to a report by Human Rights Watch. The report highlights the ongoing use of these weapons by Russia, which has become a pressing issue in the war. Earlier in March, the Baltic states and Poland announced their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, a significant shift in defense policy that shows how countries near Ukraine are preparing for a potential war in Europe.
The Biden administration’s recent approval of the provision of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine marked a surprise development that angered Moscow. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the decision was necessary to help Ukraine halt Russian advances in the east. This move underscores the evolving landscape of international arms supply, where the provision of such weapons is becoming an increasingly critical aspect of the war.
With the decree in place, Zelensky’s government will now move forward with the implementation of the decision, which will land on the parliament’s table. The exact dates when the decision will take effect are still unclear. The move reflects the broader geopolitical tensions and the escalating conflict in Ukraine, where the use of landmines has become a significant factor in the war’s conduct.