New York, October 10, 2023 A parliamentary committee has recommended that Ukraine suspend the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel landmines. The recommendation comes as the country continues to face ongoing conflict with Russia, raising questions about the strategic implications of such a move.
Oleksandr Merezhko, the head of the committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, stated that the recommendation was made following a review of the strategic and security implications of continuing to adhere to the treaty. Merezhko, a prominent member of the Servant of the People faction, noted that the move could allow Ukraine to more flexibly manage its military operations in the face of ongoing hostilities.
The Ottawa Convention, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, has been ratified by over 160 countries, including the United States and many European nations. However, Ukraine has not ratified the treaty, and the proposed suspension would represent a shift in its policy towards international arms control agreements.
Analysts suggest that the recommendation may be driven by Ukraine’s need to adapt its military strategy in the current conflict, with the potential to use landmines as a defensive measure against Russian advances. However, the decision would have significant diplomatic and strategic implications, as it could affect Ukraine’s relationships with key allies and international partners.
The committee’s recommendation is expected to be debated and potentially approved by the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament. The outcome of this discussion could signal a significant change in Ukraine’s approach to international arms control agreements, with potential repercussions for its international standing and security posture.