Ukraine must exit Mine Ban Treaty amid war with Russia

Military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko discussed the issue, Obozrevatel reports.

Several European nations, including Finland, Poland, and the Baltic states, have recently declared plans to exit the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel mines, citing shifting security needs. But Ukraine—despite being in the middle of a brutal full-scale war—has yet to take similar steps, raising concerns among military experts and analysts.

What is the Ottawa Treaty or the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention?

The Ottawa Treaty, signed by Ukraine in 1999 and ratified in 2005, prohibits the use of pressure-activated anti-personnel mines, though directional types remain legal. At the time, Ukraine held the world’s fifth-largest stockpile of such mines. 

Over the years, especially after 2014, Ukraine continued to destroy its reserves, even amid escalating Russian aggression. Ukraine continued to comply with the convention and pledged to dispose of three million anti-personnel mines between 2015 and 2018.

The importance of anti-personnel mines for Ukraine

Military analysts argue this disarmament has come at a cost. With Russian forces now relying heavily on infantry waves, particularly along the eastern front, Ukraine’s need for effective anti-personnel defenses has become urgent. Strategists stress that anti-personnel mines could serve as a critical tool to slow enemy advances and inflict substantial losses—especially in regions like Sumy and Kharkiv.

Yet, despite this military rationale, Ukrainian officials have remained publicly committed to the treaty. Some cite legal barriers to withdrawal during wartime. Critics, however, argue that such legal interpretations ignore the far more blatant violations of international law committed by Russia—suggesting Ukraine must prioritize survival over symbolic commitments.

Conclusions

In an increasingly brutal war, where Russia overwhelms through sheer manpower, Ukraine’s ability to defend itself may hinge on decisions made now. For many, that includes rethinking its stance on the Ottawa Treaty and reclaiming the right to use every tool necessary to protect its land and people.

Ukraine is in a position that no European country has been in since the World War II, and extremity (in all its negative manifestations) is forcing more decisive and radical steps. Among them is the withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty, the signing and ratification of which was a criminal mistake.