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According to the Polish Ministry of Defense, the move is currently a joint recommendation by the four countries’ defense ministries rather than a formal government decision.
In a statement from Lithuania’s defense ministry, officials described the plan as “a clear signal” that nations on Russia’s border are prepared to adopt “all possible measures” for their citizens’ security.
Moscow—which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022—has never signed the Ottawa Convention. It is believed to hold substantial stockpiles of anti-personnel mines, which Ukrainian authorities say Russia deploys extensively in the conflict.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has pledged to recommend Poland’s withdrawal, with Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz noting that the decision—once approved by the government—would need to pass through parliament and be signed into law by the president.
The plan ties into the Eastern Shield project for defensive fortifications along Poland’s eastern frontier.
Currently, Polish forces may only legally use anti-tank mines.
'Every means of strengthening our deterrence and defense'
The Polish, Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian defense ministers issued a statement emphasizing heightened regional security threats amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
“In light of this instability,” the statement says, “it is crucial to identify every means of strengthening our deterrence and defense capabilities.”
The four allies underscored that while they remain committed to international humanitarian law, they must keep “every necessary measure” available to defend their territories.
Adopted in 1997, the Ottawa Convention bans the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel landmines, aiming to eradicate them as a weapon of war.
Poland signed the agreement in 1997 but only ratified it in 2012.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP, IAR, RMF24