Finland and Baltic States Withdraw from Landmine Treaty

The recent decision by Finland, alongside its Baltic NATO allies Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines, has sparked significant discussion. The Finnish Parliament voted overwhelmingly, with 157 in favor and 18 against, citing concerns over potential aggression from Russia as the primary motivation for this decision.

The withdrawal is set to take effect six months after Finland submits a formal notice to the United Nations. This move comes as Finland prepares to bolster its military capabilities amid increasing tensions in the region, particularly along its 1,340-kilometer border with Russia. The Finnish military has expressed the need for landmines as a necessary component of national defense.

Earlier this year, the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia had already announced their exits from the same treaty. The Ottawa Convention, which has been in force since March 1999, aims to ban the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, as well as to mandate their destruction. Finland signed the treaty in 2012 but has now reassessed its position in light of evolving security threats.

Notably, several major powers, including the United States, Russia, China, and India, have not ratified the treaty, while countries like Germany remain committed to it. Anti-personnel mines are considered particularly dangerous weapons due to their long-lasting impact on civilian populations, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. Despite their controversial status, there has been a noted resurgence in demand for such weapons among defense contractors globally.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has further highlighted the devastating effects of landmines, with numerous civilian casualties attributed to their use. This has intensified the debate over their legitimacy and the moral responsibility of nations regarding their deployment.

As Finland and the Baltic states navigate their security strategies in a shifting geopolitical landscape, the implications of their departure from the Ottawa Convention will likely resonate beyond their borders, raising concerns about the future of international norms regarding landmine usage.