Today, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia (Baltics), and Poland announced plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel mines.

by AndriukasV

25 comments

  1. # Joint statement of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia

    *Since the ratification of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention), the security situation in our region has fundamentally deteriorated. Military threats to NATO Member States bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased.*

    *In light of this unstable security environment marked by Russia’s aggression and its ongoing threat to the Euro-Atlantic community, it is essential to evaluate all measures to strengthen our deterrence and defense capabilities. We believe that in the current security environment it is of paramount importance to provide our defence forces with flexibility and freedom of choice of potential use of new weapon systems and solutions to bolster the defence of the Alliance’s vulnerable Eastern Flank.*

    *In light of these considerations, we-the Ministers of Defence of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland-unanimously recommend withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention. With this decision, we are sending a clear message: our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our territory and freedom.*

    *Despite our withdrawal, we will remain committed to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians during an armed conflict. Our nations will continue to uphold these principles while addressing our security needs.*

    *We appreciate the understanding and support of all Allies and partners who recognize the dire security challenges we are facing and respect our decision in this matter.*

    Joint statement of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland

  2. It’s the only sensible course of action to take when you are potentially facing War against an adversary like Russia.

  4. That is a smart thing to do, if you are able to think further then wall to wallpaper.

  7. Sadly necessary since much of russian military strength is in its ability to send mindless fevered hordes in seemingly endless meatwave attacks.

  8. Sad for the world! But necessary with these damned Ruzzians

  9. Time to invest in anti-personnel mine donations donations and crutches boys. Nice 

  10. It’s only OK to not use anti-personnel mines when you don’t need to use anti-personnel mines.

  11. In a perfect world, this would be devastating news. In our real world, I applaud the leaders of these four countries for this necessary step, insuring the security of their people.

  13. Why handicap yourself when your likely future enemy doesn’t observe the rules of law.

    Imagine if it was ok for Russia to use certain weapons but their opponent could not because of outside pressure/treaties… Oh wait.

  15. New Russian tactic: coercing migrants to walk across the minefields.

  16. Sad but fully understandable. With Orcs as neighbors, I’d do the very same.

  17. Just withdraw. All internationnal convention are useless anyway, russia are not respecting them, so we should not if it s hammering our defensive position.

  18. The Russians insist on being unworthy of the 1899 convention on human rights.

    When our leaders pulled a Russian prank on us in 1914-1918 we dethroned or executed them. So did the Russians in 1917, but to Russia things did not improve.

    So Russia is at 1916. They better dethrone their leader, or we will have them dead WW1-style.

  19. But only to defend borders. Russia is a naughty neighbor

  20. Wont be much of an issue if they are only placed in a buffer zone towards the Russian Border.

  21. Just use the anti Russian personnel mines and we’re all good.

  24. This breaks my heart. Mines suck. Always and everywhere. They really fucking suck!!!!

    But I understand… I just hate what the world is becoming again.

  25. Canadian here. Completely fine with this. Times have changed and the Ukraine war has taught us much.

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