NATO’s eastern flank is fortifying itself against Russian aggression with a tried and tested method: landmines. Poland and the Baltic states are preparing to withdraw from a decades-old landmine ban treaty, signaling a dramatic shift in defense strategy not seen since the Cold War.
At a glance:
• Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania plan to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines
• The decision comes directly in response to increased Russian aggression and military threats on NATO’s eastern borders
• Russia never signed the treaty and has made Ukraine the most mine-laden country in the world through its invasion
• The Baltic states and Poland have pledged to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, far exceeding NATO’s 2% target
• This strategic shift is part of Poland’s broader “East Shield” initiative to strengthen its eastern border defenses
Eastern European Nations Prepare for Russian Threat
Defense Ministers from Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have jointly announced their recommendation to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention amid growing security concerns. The treaty, established in 1997, prohibits the use, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines but has never been signed by Russia, China, or the United States.
The move comes as part of a broader strategy to counter what these nations perceive as an immediate threat from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. In a joint statement, the Defense Ministers declared, “Military threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased.”
Poland Leads Defense Buildup on NATO’s Frontier
Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Bejda offered a stark assessment of the situation facing his country.
“We have no choice. The situation on the border is serious. I am talking about the Polish-Belarusian and Polish-Russian borders. This will be one of the elements of the East Shield,” Bejda stated.
The decision to withdraw from the treaty will allow these nations to stockpile and deploy landmines for the first time in nearly three decades.
Bejda further explained Poland’s concerns about Belarus as a Russian proxy, noting, “I want to say that we have concerns bordering on certainty that Belarus is walking on Russia’s leash. What Putin says, Lukashenko will agree to it. Please note from which direction Ukraine was attacked. From the direction of Belarus.”
Historic Defense Spending Increases Signal Determination
Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland have all committed to increasing their defense spending to 5% of GDP, more than doubling NATO’s 2% requirement. This unprecedented investment demonstrates the seriousness with which these nations view the Russian threat to European security.
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized regional solidarity, stating, “Decisions regarding the Ottawa Convention should be made in solidarity and coordination within the region.” Finland is also reportedly considering withdrawal from the treaty due to Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine.
Despite withdrawing from the anti-personnel mine ban, the four countries have committed to adhering to humanitarian law and protecting civilians during any potential conflicts. The Defense Ministers issued a clear message in their joint statement: “With this decision we are sending a clear message: our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our security needs.”
The move has received support from several European and UK officials, suggesting other nations might consider similar actions as NATO continues to adapt to the changing security landscape in Eastern Europe.
So while the U.S. is trying to make peace with Russia, Europe is just upping the ante. At what point do we decide that Europe is actively working against peace?
