**Ukraine Withdraws from Ottawa Convention Banning Anti-Personnel Mines**
In a significant move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines. This decision comes as Ukraine faces an ongoing war with Russia and follows similar moves by Baltic nations and Poland.
The Ottawa Convention, signed in 1997, prohibits the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. The treaty aims to protect civilians from the dangers of scattered explosives that can cause harm long after a conflict has ended. However, Russia is not a party to this convention and has been accused of using mines against Ukrainian military and civilian targets.
“This is a step that the reality of war has long demanded,” said lawmaker Roman Kostenko, secretary of the parliament’s defense committee, in a Facebook post announcing the withdrawal from the treaty. “Russia is not a party to this Convention and is massively using mines against our military and civilians.”
Kostenko noted that earlier in March, the Baltic states and Poland announced their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, marking a significant shift in defense policy among countries near Ukraine. The decision reflects a growing recognition of the need for self-defense measures as tensions rise across Europe.
The use of anti-personnel mines has been a contentious issue in Ukraine, particularly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. According to Human Rights Watch, Russia has used over a dozen variants of these mines, causing harm to soldiers and civilians alike. Territories liberated by Ukraine have also been heavily contaminated with mines, making it challenging for the military to clear them.
In response to this threat, Ukrainian forces have sought support from Western allies. In 2024, the Biden administration approved the provision of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine to help stall Russian advances in the east. This move was seen as a surprise by Moscow and reflects growing international concern about Russia’s actions.
With Zelensky’s decree now signed, the decision will be brought before parliament for approval. The timing of when this decision will take effect remains unclear.
