Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree to withdraw from the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, commonly known as the Anti-Landmine Treaty. The decision follows Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, which has never signed the treaty. Over 16,000 countries have ratified the treaty, but Russia remains outside, leading Ukraine to argue that it cannot be subject to restrictions that its adversary is not bound by.
The move has sparked debate among international observers, with some calling it a necessary step for Ukraine to assert its sovereignty in a war where its enemy is not bound by the same rules. Others, however, argue that the move could undermine global efforts to eliminate the use of landmines, which have caused significant harm to civilians in conflict zones. The treaty, which has been in effect since 1998, has been widely supported by the international community, with the United States, the European Union, and most of the world’s major economies having ratified it.
Zelensky’s government has stated that the decision is a pragmatic response to the realities of the war, as Ukraine continues to face immense challenges in its conflict with Russia. The withdrawal from the treaty may have implications for the country’s relationship with its allies, as well as its position within the broader international community. The decision highlights the complex and often contentious nature of international law, as nations must balance their own national interests with their obligations to global agreements.