Poland Exits Anti-Personnel Mine Treaty Amid Security Concerns
Poland withdraws from treaty banning antipersonnel mines, will use them to defend against Russia
The Hindu
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Poland has officially withdrawn from the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, declaring its intention to deploy antipersonnel and anti-tank mines along its eastern border to counter the perceived threat from Russia. This decision raises significant humanitarian concerns due to the long-lasting impact of landmines on civilian populations.
- 01Poland has withdrawn from the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty.
- 02The country plans to use antipersonnel and anti-tank mines for border defense.
- 03This move is a response to escalating threats from Russia.
- 04The use of landmines poses serious risks to civilians.
- 05The decision highlights growing military tensions in Eastern Europe.
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Poland's Deputy Defence Minister announced on February 20, 2026, that the country will begin using antipersonnel and anti-tank land mines to bolster its defenses against Russia. This announcement coincides with Poland's official withdrawal from the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use of such weapons due to their potential for causing civilian casualties. The treaty was established to address the humanitarian impact of landmines, which have left lasting scars in nations like Cambodia, Angola, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Poland's decision reflects a significant shift in its defense strategy amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe, raising concerns about the humanitarian implications of reintroducing these weapons into the conflict landscape.
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The decision to deploy landmines may lead to increased civilian casualties and hinder post-conflict recovery efforts in Poland and neighboring regions.
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