(Riga, December 27) The Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania formally withdrew from the Ottawa Mine Ban Convention on Saturday (December 27). This move marks a significant adjustment in the three countries' military strategy in response to changes in the regional security situation.
Latvian Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Eglit pointed out that Latvia submitted documents to the UN Secretary-General six months ago announcing its withdrawal from the landmine ban treaty. Lithuanian Defense Minister Kaunas stated that the decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention was due to the need to strengthen deterrence and defense capabilities.
In March of this year, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania announced their plan to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention on the Prevention of Minefields and initiated parliamentary review and ratification procedures. On June 27, the three countries submitted their documents for withdrawal from the Convention to the United Nations. According to the Convention, withdrawal by a member state takes effect six months after the submission of the application documents; therefore, the three countries officially withdrew this Saturday.
The Ottawa Convention on Landmines is an international treaty signed in 1997 that aims to comprehensively prohibit the use, production, storage, and transfer of landmines that are specifically targeted at people and pose a long-term threat to civilians, and requires contracting parties to clear landmines and assist victims.
Source: [Lianhe Zaobao] (https://www.zaobao.com/news/world/story20251228-8022137)