Latvia Exits Land Mine Convention Amid Rising Tensions with Russia

Riga, Latvia – In a significant move reflecting growing security concerns, Latvia's Parliament voted to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, an international accord banning anti-personnel mines. This decision comes in light of escalating fears regarding Russian aggression, especially following the invasion of Ukraine.

The vote, which took place on Wednesday, positions Latvia as the first Eastern European nation to act on a collective agreement made last month among the three Baltic States—Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia—and Poland to exit the treaty. This regional decision is rooted in the recognition of heightened military threats posed to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus.

Increased Security Concerns

Latvia's defense officials have cited the ongoing war in Ukraine as a primary catalyst for this withdrawal. In a joint statement, defense ministers from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland indicated that “military threats to NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased” since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Finland has also expressed intentions to leave the treaty, potentially leading to a wave of similar exits among countries in Eastern Europe. The anticipated mass departure may undermine decades of progress made to curtail the use of anti-personnel mines and other harmful weapons, which have historically caused civilian casualties.

Historical Context

The Ottawa Convention, which aims to eliminate anti-personnel mines, forms part of a broader set of disarmament agreements from the 1990s that arose after the Cold War. Despite its intentions, the treaty has notable absentees; major military powers such as the United States, Russia, and China never ratified it, limiting its effectiveness.

Lithuania has been at the forefront of this movement to exit the convention. Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas has previously stated concerns regarding national defense and the region’s security. This concern deepened after a visit to the border with Ukraine, where he assessed the ramifications of the ongoing conflict on regional stability.

As Latvia turns a new page in its security policy, the implications of this withdrawal may resonate well beyond its borders, raising questions about future military strategies and humanitarian considerations in conflict areas.

This decisive action underscores a shift in the Baltic States' defense posture, as they prioritize national security in the face of perceived threats, marking a complex juncture in the efforts to curb the use of land mines and ensure civilian safety.