**Russia Claims Ukraine’s Withdrawal from Landmine Treaty Won’t Change Battlefield Tactics**
In a statement released on Wednesday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said that it has evidence of Ukraine repeatedly using anti-personnel mines, which have injured civilians. This revelation comes as Ukraine announced its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, a treaty banning the production and use of such landmines.
According to Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Ukraine’s decision to leave the treaty will have no impact on the battlefield. Zakharova claimed that the use of anti-personnel mines by Ukrainian forces against civilians is regularly recorded by Russian law enforcement agencies.
**Russia’s Allegations and Ukraine’s Response**
Ukraine had previously accused Russia of extensively using landmines in their ongoing war, which has been raging for 40 months. The Ukrainian government said that it was forced to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention due to Russian tactics. However, Russia disputes this claim, saying that Ukraine’s decision fits into a broader pattern of Western countries attempting to undermine international arms control and disarmament agreements.
**Lithuania and Finland Plan Domestic Landmine Production**
In response to what they see as a military threat from Russia, Lithuania and Finland have announced plans to start domestic production of anti-personnel landmines next year. These NATO member states will produce the landmines for their own use and to supply Ukraine. This move is seen as a direct challenge to Russia’s actions in the region.
**Context and Analysis**
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing for years, with both sides trading accusations of using landmines against civilians. The Ottawa Convention, which bans the production and use of anti-personnel mines, has been signed by over 100 countries but not ratified by Russia. Ukraine’s decision to withdraw from the treaty is seen as a reflection of the country’s desperation in the face of Russian aggression.
However, it remains unclear how this development will affect the broader conflict. Russia’s claims that Ukraine’s withdrawal will have no impact on the battlefield suggest that the use of landmines has become an entrenched part of both sides’ tactics. Meanwhile, Lithuania and Finland’s decision to start domestic landmine production is seen as a significant escalation of tensions between Russia and NATO.
**What’s Next?**
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to simmer, it remains to be seen how this latest development will play out. Will Russia and Ukraine continue to trade accusations over landmine use? Will Lithuania and Finland’s decision to start domestic landmine production lead to further escalation with Russia? These questions will only be answered as events unfold.
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