VILNIUS – In a decision echoing through Europe’s defense circles, Lithuania’s parliament has voted to withdraw from the international treaty that bans anti-personnel landmines, citing growing concerns over regional security and the threat from Russia.
The vote marks a major shift in Lithuania’s defense strategy, as the country joins a small but growing number of nations rethinking arms restrictions in light of ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The decision, which was approved by lawmakers this week, will officially come into effect in six months, according to Lithuania’s Ministry of Defense.
“It is official: Lithuania is withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention,” the ministry posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The Ottawa Convention, signed by over 160 nations, bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. Notably, neither Russia nor the United States are signatories of the treaty.
The move follows a joint declaration made in March by Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland, in which the four countries announced their intent to pull out of the treaty. Latvia’s parliament was the first to vote on the issue last month, and Finland also declared its intention to withdraw in April.
“In these uncertain times, when the shadow of war looms close, we must take every step to protect our homeland,” the Baltic states stated in a joint release. They emphasized the need to strengthen deterrence and enhance defense capabilities as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine continues to destabilize the region.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO members near the conflict zone have poured resources into military upgrades, defense drills, and policy changes. Fearful that they could be the next targets, these countries are rearming and revising their defense postures.
Though controversial, Lithuania’s move reflects a wider trend in Eastern Europe—where old agreements are giving way to new realities, and where nations are preparing not just for diplomacy, but for defense.
