Finland, Lithuania to reintroduce landmines, plan to aid Ukraine

Reuters reports that the countries could begin mine production following the treaty's six-month withdrawal process.

They join Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine in leaving the treaty, citing Russia's war against Ukraine and the need to strengthen deterrence. While Ukraine plans to use mines in defense, NATO countries stress stockpiling for emergencies, not peacetime use.

Lithuania’s Deputy Defence Minister Karolis Aleksa said the country would spend hundreds of millions of euros on mines, which could also be supplied to Ukraine. “Our national industry will be one of the sources,” he said.

Finland, which shares a 1,340-km border with Russia, also sees mine production as vital for its own and Ukraine’s security. “It is not only right and our duty to support Ukraine, it is also important for Finland's own security,” said Heikki Autto, chair of the Finnish parliament’s defense committee.

Poland and Latvia say they could quickly begin production, while Estonia considers it a future option. All five NATO countries reaffirm that mine use would be restricted to emergencies and marked zones, with clearance promised after any conflict.