Lithuania, Estonia withdraw from anti-personnel mine ban treaty over Russian threat

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys announced this on the social media platform X.

“Today, Lithuania has formally notified the UN Secretary-General of its withdrawal from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty. This decision was not taken lightly,” he wrote.

Budrys emphasized that Lithuania has no illusions about “Putin’s Russia being the greatest long-term existential threat to Europe.”

“Russia wages war to achieve political goals, undermines stability through sabotage, and is prepared for a prolonged confrontation. In the face of such threats, Lithuania will take all necessary measures to defend its state, population, and every inch of NATO territory — with all effective military means,” the Lithuanian Foreign Minister wrote.

He also added that Lithuania’s commitment to responsible defense and international humanitarian law, particularly the protection of civilians, remains unwavering.

Estonia also submitted a letter to the UN in New York notifying its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requires their destruction. According to Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the platform X, the law on withdrawal from the Convention will take effect in six months.

“Lessons from Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine show that in order to better defend our country, we must not impose unilateral restrictions on armaments that the adversary does not observe,” the statement reads.

Tsahkna also noted that Estonia remains committed to fully upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilians after leaving the convention. Estonia will also continue to support humanitarian demining projects and assistance for victims of armed conflicts.

“By leaving the Ottawa Convention, the Estonian Defence Forces will have greater flexibility in choosing the weapons systems, tools & solutions necessary to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities,” the Estonian Foreign Minister stated.

• It was previously reported that the defense ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania confirmed their intention to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP starting next year.