Poland has officially withdrawn from the Ottawa Convention, allowing the country to produce and utilize landmines amid security concerns from neighboring Russia.
On Friday, Poland officially withdrew from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, storage, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. This decision follows announcements made by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who emphasized that with emerging threats, Poland could now plant mines along its eastern border within 48 hours. This move is particularly significant given the ongoing security tensions stemming from Russia's renewed invasion of Ukraine, prompting Poland, alongside other NATO countries bordering Russia, to reconsider its defensive strategies.
The withdrawal also aligns with Poland's initiative called "Eastern Shield," which is aimed at strengthening its borders with Russia and Belarus. In a press conference, Tusk remarked on the critical nature of their landmine project, describing it as decisive for national security and the protection of Polish territory and borders. This marks a significant shift in Poland's military stance, suggesting a readiness to adopt more aggressive measures to secure its sovereignty, particularly in light of its geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe.
In December, Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Zalevski indicated that Poland would resume the production of anti-personnel mines for the first time since the Cold War, signifying a dramatic change in defense policy. These mines will not only be used to bolster the eastern border but could also potentially be supplied to Ukraine as Kyiv continues to defend itself against Russian aggression. Such actions illustrate Poland's increasing militarization in response to regional threats, revealing the broader implications for European security dynamics and NATO's collective defense posture.
