Full Breakdown
Landmine Treaty Withdrawals Amid the Ukraine War
8/27/2026, 4:33:00 AM
Treaty Withdrawals and Renewed Mine Use
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, five NATO members that share borders with Russia—Poland, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia—have announced withdrawal from the 1997 Ottawa Treaty that bans anti-personnel mines. Ukraine also withdrew, citing Russia’s continued use of mines, though its exit will not become legally effective until a peace settlement is reached. The departures create a “dangerous precedent,” according to Simone Wisotzki of the Leibniz Peace Research Institute (PRIF).
Background of the Ottawa Treaty
The Ottawa Treaty, formally the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, was opened for signature in 1997 after annual global casualties peaked at roughly 25,000 in 1999. It entered into force that year and was ratified by 166 countries, excluding China, India, Russia and the United States. The treaty had been the sole functioning pillar of humanitarian arms control until recent withdrawals.
Human Impact and Costs
A preliminary analysis by the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor estimates that more than 5,000 civilians were killed or injured by landmines or unexploded ordnance in 2025 worldwide. In South Sudan, 90 % of victims that year were children. United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) reports that, as of mid-2025, about 25 % of Ukraine’s territory—both government-controlled and Russian-occupied areas—remains contaminated, with over 1,150 civilian deaths or injuries since February 2022. The UN estimates the total cost of full de-mining at just under $35 billion (? €30 billion) over a decade.
Official Statements & Responses
Roman Kostenko, secretary of Ukraine’s parliamentary committee on national security, defense and intelligence, argued that “we cannot remain bound under conditions when the enemy has no restrictions.” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has repeatedly said Poland must be able to lay mines quickly along its eastern border, and state-owned Belma has been contracted to produce large quantities of anti-personnel mines. Lithuania announced plans to resume manufacture and purchase of mines, while the Finnish military stressed that any future use would require accurate mapping and de-mining plans. Wisotzki warned that modern mines equipped with sensors and smart technology make clearance increasingly difficult.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We cannot remain bound under conditions when the enemy has no restrictions," said Roman Kostenko, the secretary of the Ukrainian parliament's committee on national security, defense and intelligence.” — Roman Kostenko
- “Humanitarian arms control — which includes the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention — was in effect the only area that could still be said to be working,” — Simone Wisotzki
