The Ministers of Defence of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland have published a statement announcing their denunciation of the Ottawa Convention.

"The security situation in our region has significantly deteriorated."
Since the ratification of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (Ottawa Convention), the security situation in our region has significantly deteriorated. Military threats against NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have substantially increased.

In light of this unstable security situation – marked by Russia's aggression and the continuous threat it poses to the Euro-Atlantic community – it is crucial to identify all measures that can be employed to enhance our deterrence and defence capabilities.

"Our decision sends a clear message: our countries can use any means necessary for defence."
We believe that in the current security environment, it is paramount to ensure our armed forces have flexibility and choice regarding the potential use of modern weapon systems and solutions to strengthen the defence of the Alliance's threatened eastern flank.

In light of these considerations, we – the Ministers of Defence of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland – unanimously recommend denouncing the Ottawa Convention. Our decision sends a clear message: our countries are ready and can use any means necessary to defend our territory and freedom.

"We remain committed to international humanitarian law."
Despite withdrawing from the Convention, we remain committed to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians during armed conflicts. Our nations will continue to adhere to these principles while safeguarding our security.