Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia announced on Tuesday they are withdrawing from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel landmines amid growing security threats from Russia.

In a joint statement, the four nations said that the current security environment and their proximity to Russian military activities justifies their decision. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, these countries have increased defense spending and military aid to Ukraine. 

“Military threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased. In light of this unstable security environment marked by Russia’s aggression and its ongoing threat to the Euro-Atlantic community, it is essential to evaluate all measures to strengthen our deterrence and defense capabilities,” they said. 

The countries emphasized the need to equip their defense forces with flexibility and a broad range of options for deploying new weapon systems and solutions to strengthen the Alliance’s vulnerable Eastern Flank.

Despite their withdrawal, the four nations reaffirmed their commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.

The 1997 Ottawa Convention bans the production, stockpiling, transfer, and use of anti-personnel mines to prevent civilian casualties. Withdrawal to the treaty requires parliamentary approval in Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia. 

Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Silina confirmed a draft proposal will go to parliament next week. 

“This decision will give our National Armed Forces additional capabilities, when they can buy and what,” Silina said.

The Prime Minister also revealed that Latvia is considering domestic landmine production. 

Lithuania has also expressed plans to increase explosives manufacturing.

“Talks and discussions have been going on since the very beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine—about having the means, especially for the production of explosives, at home,” said Lithuania’s Chief of Defence Raimundas Vaiksnoras.