Poland has withdrawn from the Ottawa Convention and plans to use infantry mines to protect against potential Russian attacks along its eastern border.
Poland has officially announced its decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, an international agreement that bans the use of landmines, in light of increased aggression from Russia. The country plans to be equipped to deploy infantry mines within 48 hours if needed, in addition to anti-tank mines, to protect its eastern border. This strategic shift highlights Poland's concerns about security threats stemming from Russia's actions, particularly regarding its borders with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Belarus.
Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Zalevski emphasized the critical role of landmines in Poland's military strategy and NATO's eastern flank defense. He noted that landmines are an essential component of the defense structure being developed in response to perceived aggressive intentions from Russia towards its neighbors. This announcement reiterates Poland's proactive stance amid rising tensions in the region and its commitment to ensuring national security through enhanced military preparedness.
The withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention could have broader implications, not only for Poland’s defense policies but also for international norms regarding landmine usage. Since both Russia and the United States had never signed the convention, Poland's decision reflects a shifting landscape in Europe’s security framework, as countries reassess their military strategies in response to regional threats. This move may provoke further discussions about the balance between national defense and international humanitarian concerns regarding landmines.
