Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia announced they are abandoning the 1997 Ottawa convention treaty that bans the use of anti-personnel landmines due to the heightened security threats posed by Russia.

The countries stated that Russia’s aggression, particularly since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has made it necessary to reassess their defense strategies.

The Ottawa treaty, aimed at preventing landmines that cause civilian casualties, is no longer seen as suitable for their defense needs.

Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia must still seek parliamentary approval to officially withdraw, The Hill has reported.

Other nations, including the U.S., Russia, and China, have never signed the treaty.

Written by B.C. Begley