Ukraine Withdraws from Ottawa Convention on Landmines
On June 29, 2025, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the signing of a presidential decree enacting a decision by the National Security and Defense Council to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the accumulation, use, and production of anti-personnel mines, reports 24brussels.
The ministry noted that Ukraine ratified this convention in 2005 and had consistently adhered to its provisions. However, the regional security situation has significantly deteriorated since then, especially following the onset of war with Russia in 2014, during which Russia has actively used anti-personnel mines.
As highlighted by officials, the extensive use of landmines by Russia since the onset of large-scale hostilities creates an “asymmetrical advantage” for the aggressor. In light of this, the ministry stated that the country is in a position that restricts its right to self-defense, leading to a “difficult but necessary political decision” to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, as it pertains to the “survival and preservation of Ukraine as a sovereign state.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also emphasized that Ukraine is not the only country to exit the Ottawa Convention.
The decision to withdraw must be approved by the Ukrainian Parliament, and Ukraine will officially exit the convention only six months after notifying the United Nations.
Countries such as Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland are also withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, citing increased military threats from Russia and Belarus in recent years. Recently, the Finnish parliament also voted in favor of leaving the convention due to its proximity to Russia.
