Finland Withdraws from Landmine Treaty
Finland has officially exited the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines. The Foreign Ministry announced the decision, stating that it will allow Finland to reintroduce landmines into its military stockpile as early as January. The Finnish parliament overwhelmingly approved the withdrawal, citing growing security threats due to Russia’s actions as the primary justification for the move.
This decision follows similar announcements by four other NATO members – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland – who also cited heightened military threats from Russia as justification for reconsidering their stance on the landmine ban. In a joint statement released in late March, these countries expressed shared concerns about the deteriorated security environment, emphasizing the need to reassess their defense strategies.
The Ottawa Treaty, drafted in 1997, bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines due to their long-term threat to civilians. While 164 nations have ratified the treaty, major military powers such as the United States, China, and Russia have not joined, citing various reasons. Finland joined the treaty in 2012, but its government began preparing for its withdrawal earlier this year.
The Kremlin has consistently denied any aggressive intentions toward NATO, claiming that the Ukraine conflict was provoked by the military bloc’s eastward expansion. At the same time, Moscow has stated that it shares the goals and principles of the Ottawa Convention but considers joining it impractical. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, “anti-personnel mines remain an effective and low-cost means of securing Russia’s borders.”
Finland’s withdrawal from the treaty represents a significant development in the broader context of NATO’s military strategy. While the decision was officially justified by security concerns, it raises questions about the balance between national defense and international humanitarian commitments. The move has also sparked discussions about the role of landmines in modern warfare and the potential implications for global disarmament efforts.
As of now, it remains unclear how this development will impact international relations or the future of the Ottawa Treaty. The decision by Finland and other NATO members to reconsider the landmine ban highlights the complex interplay between security threats, military preparedness, and international law. The situation is likely to be closely monitored by global organizations, as well as military and humanitarian groups, for any potential shifts in the geopolitical landscape.