Ukraine Begins Process to Exit Anti-Landmine Treaty Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Kyiv, Ukraine – In a significant policy shift, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has initiated the process for Ukraine to withdraw from the ottawa Convention, the international treaty prohibiting the use of anti-personnel landmines. The decree, signed Sunday, June 29, 2025, marks a potential turning point in the nation’s defense strategy amidst the ongoing conflict.
Zelensky Orders move to Abandon Anti-Personnel Landmine Ban
President Zelensky’s decree sets in motion Ukraine’s departure from the Ottawa Convention, a treaty adhered to by over 160 nations that prohibits the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of anti-personnel mines. These devices, designed to be buried or hidden, pose a severe threat to civilians long after conflicts end, frequently enough causing mutilation or death.
The treaty, while widely supported, notably lacks the signatures of the United States and Russia, among others.
Parliamentary Approval and UN Notification Required
For Ukraine’s withdrawal to take affect, the decision must be ratified by the Ukrainian parliament and formally communicated to the United Nations. these procedural steps are crucial for completing the exit from the landmark agreement.
National security Prioritized Amid Invasion
Ukraine’s foreign ministry issued a statement emphasizing that the decision underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the security of its citizens and the defense of its territory, especially in light of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The use of anti-personnel landmines would allow Ukraine to protect its borders more efficiently.
Global Reaction Mixed As Ukraine Reconsiders Landmine Strategy
The international community’s reaction to Ukraine’s potential withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention has been mixed.While some recognize Ukraine’s dire security situation, others express concerns about the humanitarian consequences of deploying anti-personnel mines.
Ottawa Convention: Key Facts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. |
| Signatories | Over 160 countries and territories. |
| Notable Absentees | United States, Russia, China. |
| Humanitarian concerns | Anti-personnel mines cause indiscriminate harm to civilians. |
The Long-Term Implications of Landmine Use
The deployment of anti-personnel mines carries long-term risks, including civilian casualties, economic disruption, and environmental damage. Clearance operations are costly and time-consuming, often requiring international assistance. Recent conflicts have shown a resurgence in the use of improvised landmines and other explosive devices, highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving a mine-free world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anti-Personnel Mines
What impact will this decision have on the future of the conflict? How should the international community respond?
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