Poland and its Baltic neighbors are pulling out of a decades-old landmine treaty to defend themselves against Russian aggression, turning NATO’s eastern flank into a potential minefield for the first time in 30 years.
At a Glance
- Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania plan to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines due to increased Russian threats
- Russia, which never signed the treaty, has made Ukraine the most mine-laden country globally following its invasion
- The NATO countries cite “significantly increased military threats” from Russia and Belarus as justification
- Poland is already constructing an “East Shield” defensive system and may now add landmines to its border protections
- The U.S., China, India, Pakistan, and South Korea are among major powers that never joined the treaty
NATO’s Eastern Front Prepares for Russian Threats
In a dramatic shift of military policy, Poland and three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—are planning to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, allowing them to stockpile and deploy anti-personnel landmines as a defensive measure against Russian threats. This strategic pivot marks the first time in nearly three decades that these NATO countries would reintroduce landmines to their military arsenals. The four nations cite the deteriorating security situation on NATO’s eastern border with Russia and Belarus as the primary reason for this defensive realignment, demonstrating how Russia’s aggressive posture has fundamentally altered European security calculations.
The defense ministers from all four countries released a joint statement declaring they “unanimously recommend withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention” as “military threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased.” This coordinated action reflects growing alarm about Russian intentions following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has already created the most heavily mined country in the world. The Ottawa Convention, established in 1997, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines and has been signed by over 160 countries worldwide—but notably not by Russia, which continues to employ them extensively.
Building the East Shield Defense System
Poland’s withdrawal from the landmine treaty represents just one component of a broader defensive strategy. The country is already constructing what officials call an “East Shield” to strengthen its eastern border defenses against potential Russian aggression. Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Bejda explained the gravity of the situation, stating: “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.”
“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. We do not have anti-personnel mines, but we have the capabilities to produce them.” – Paweł Bejda
In addition to potentially deploying landmines, Poland and the Baltic states have dramatically increased their defense spending, with Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland pledging to allocate 5% of their GDP to military expenditures—more than double NATO’s 2% target. These countries are taking additional precautionary measures, including distributing “survival guides” to citizens and enhancing border infrastructure. The Polish government has made it clear that while they intend to withdraw from the treaty, they remain committed to adhering to humanitarian law and protecting civilians during any potential conflict.
Growing Regional Response to Russian Aggression
The coordinated withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention signals a growing regional consensus on the severity of the Russian threat. Finland is also reportedly considering leaving the treaty due to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Estonia’s Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized that while Estonia currently has no plans to develop or use banned landmines, “decisions regarding the Ottawa Convention should be made in solidarity and coordination within the region.” The joint statement by all four defense ministers made their position clear: “With this decision we are sending a clear message: our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our security needs.”
“Military threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased. With this decision we are sending a clear message: our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our security needs.” – countries’ defense ministers
The humanitarian implications of this shift remain concerning. Globally, landmines and unexploded ordnance caused 5,757 casualties in 2023 alone, with civilians comprising the majority of victims according to Landmine Monitor. Currently, an estimated 110 million mines affect nearly 70 countries and territories worldwide. However, faced with what they perceive as an existential threat from Russia, these frontline NATO states are prioritizing territorial defense while still pledging to follow international humanitarian principles. European and UK officials have reportedly expressed support for Poland’s decision, suggesting other NATO members might consider similar actions as the alliance adapts to Russia’s increasingly aggressive posture.
