Lithuania to Withdraw From Landmine Ban Treaty to Strengthen Defense Against Russia

The Lithuanian Seimas  has approved the country’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines, a step aimed at strengthening its defense against the growing Russian threat.

The decision, passed on May 8, saw 107 deputies voting in favor, with three abstentions. At least 85 votes were needed for the measure to pass.

The withdrawal will come into effect in six months, allowing Lithuania to consider the use of anti-personnel mines along its border with Russia and Belarus.

This move follows similar actions by neighboring Baltic countries, Poland, and Finland, all of which have expressed concerns about Russian military aggression and have announced their intentions to leave the convention.

Lithuania ratified the Ottawa Convention in 2003, committing to the elimination of anti-personnel mines.

However, in light of heightened security risks posed by Russia, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense is now exploring ways to mine the border as part of its countermobility strategy, aiming to deter potential Russian advances.

The decision received backing from the Lithuanian Seimas Committee on National Security and Defense at the end of April. According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 32 countries, including Russia, the United States, and China, have not signed the Ottawa Convention.

In related news, two international volunteers, including British humanitarian and mine clearance specialist Chris Garrett, were reportedly killed near Izium in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, Prevail Humanitarian Aid confirmed on May 7.

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