Poland and the Baltic States to dispose of a mines contract, citing a Russian threat | News

The quartet bordering on Russia proposes to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, but added that there were no plans to use mines.

Poland and the Baltic States plan to withdraw from an international convention forbidding the use of mines, citing potential military threats from neighboring Russia.

The Ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia said in a statement on Tuesday that “unanimously recommended that they withdraw from the Ottawa Convention.”

The statement alleges that the security situation in the region was “deteriorated at the base” as the treaty was ratified in 1999 with more than 160 countries, although neither Russia nor the United States registered.

“The military threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have increased significantly,” the statement said.

Poland joined the Western Military Alliance that year, the contract was ratified. The Baltic States became NATO members in 2004.

“With this decision we send a clear message: our countries are prepared and can use any necessary measure to protect our territory and freedom,” the statement continued.

Baltic States, earlier part of the Soviet Union, have repeatedly warned that the obvious rapprochement between Russia and the United States threatens their security, as well as that of Ukraine.

Despite their intention to leave the Ottawa Treaty, Defense Ministers said they would remain involved in humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians during an armed conflict.

Estonia's Defense Minister Hano Pevur said: “We have no plans at the moment to develop, stock up or use pre -prohibited anti -sonsnelling mines.”

“Estonia and our regional allies remain committed to complying with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, even after they withdraw from the Ottawa Convention,” he added.

In a report published last year, International Watchdog Monitor Monitor said ground mines were still actively used in 2023 and 2024 by Russia, Myanmar, Iran and North Korea.