Lithuania's defence minister stated that Poland, the three Baltic states, and Finland, all of which share borders with Russia, are nearing an agreement to withdraw from the treaty banning anti-personnel mines. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, these five countries have been increasingly concerned about their security and have been reconsidering their commitment to the Ottawa Treaty. However, the Red Cross has raised concerns over what it sees as growing European acceptance of reintroducing these long-banned weapons. Last week, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced plans to recommend the country’s withdrawal from the treaty, and he drew criticism from humanitarian bodies. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland may follow suit, citing fears of escalating Russian aggression.

Speaking to reporters in Warsaw about a possible withdrawal from the convention, Dovile Sakaliene said, "We believe we are very close to this solution." At a joint press conference with Polish counterpart Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, she mentioned that all five countries were engaged in "very intensive discussions" to reach a joint decision and "send a common strategic message." Meanwhile, the Polish defence minister described the decision as "necessary" and emphasised the importance of "presenting a common position".

Over 160 countries and territories, including Ukraine, have signed the Ottawa Convention, but the United States and Russia have not. The treaty prohibits signatories from acquiring, producing, stockpiling or using anti-personnel mines. Kyiv has accused Moscow of committing “genocidal activities” by deploying these mines during the conflict.

Meanwhile, Lithuania, a former Soviet-ruled nation with a population of 2.8 million, made an unprecedented move last week by withdrawing from the international convention banning cluster bombs. The country argues that strengthening its defences is crucial, fearing it could be Russia’s next target if Moscow prevails in Ukraine.

In Geneva, the International Committee of the Red Cross expressed deep concern over recent developments and urged nations to remember the purpose of international conventions. International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) chief spokesman Christian Cardon emphasised, "It is precisely now that these treaties are relevant… and not in times of peace or stability." Cordula Droege, head of the ICRC’s legal department, noted, "As states seem to be preparing for war… we also have a questioning of the humanitarian treaties." She pointed out the growing anxiety in Europe, stating, "There is a bit of panic in Europe at the moment, and I think states are taking very rash decisions." Droege also remarked that the sudden policy shifts on landmines and cluster bombs "came as a bit of a shock." 

“There’s a huge concern here that you will see an acceptance of weapons that are stigmatised and should continue to be stigmatised,” she stated, stressing that the majority of cluster munition and landmine victims are civilians. “This idea that you can use these mines in a way that’s compatible with international humanitarian law, that you will only use them in areas or on front lines where they will be perfectly distinguishing between civilians and combatants, is just an illusion.”

Droege questioned the situation, saying, "How far does it go?" “Because will the next thing be that you say, well, actually, we need chemical weapons? They have a great military utility. Is that then acceptable?”