Poland has announced its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, a landmark international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the decision as a strategic move linked to heightened security concerns along Poland’s eastern frontier, particularly near Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The withdrawal is tied to Warsaw’s broader “East Shield” defence initiative, reflecting shifting security calculations in Eastern Europe.
What Is the Ottawa Convention?
The Ottawa Convention, formally known as the Mine Ban Treaty, was adopted in 1997 to prohibit the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. It also mandates the destruction of existing stockpiles and assistance to victims.
Over 160 countries are party to the treaty. However, key military powers such as Russia, the United States, and China are not signatories. Poland’s withdrawal places it among a small group of European states reconsidering their commitments in light of evolving security threats.
Security Drivers Behind the Withdrawal
Poland shares borders with Belarus and lies close to Kaliningrad, a heavily militarised Russian enclave on the Baltic Sea. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Warsaw has significantly strengthened its defence posture.
The “East Shield” project reportedly aims to:
- Fortify Poland’s eastern border
- Enhance rapid deployment capabilities
- Improve territorial defence infrastructure
- Increase deterrence against hybrid or conventional threats
Officials have indicated that the option to deploy anti-personnel mines would provide tactical flexibility in case of escalation.
Revival of Mine Production
Deputy Defence Minister Paweł Zalewski revealed in December that Poland plans to resume production of anti-personnel mines, which had ceased after the Cold War. The formal withdrawal process from the Ottawa Convention takes six months, making the decision effective in February 2026.
This shift marks a notable departure from decades of European disarmament norms and signals the growing primacy of deterrence in Poland’s defence policy.
Implications for European Security
Poland’s decision reflects a broader transformation in Europe’s security architecture following Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Potential implications include:
- Increased militarisation along NATO’s eastern flank
- Debate within the European Union over arms control commitments
- Concerns among humanitarian groups about landmine use
- Possible ripple effects if other states reconsider treaty obligations
While anti-personnel mines can serve defensive military purposes, they have historically caused civilian casualties long after conflicts end, raising ethical and humanitarian concerns.
Humanitarian and Legal Considerations
The Ottawa Convention was rooted in humanitarian concerns, as landmines often remain active for decades, posing risks to civilians, especially children.
Withdrawal from the treaty:
- Legally permits production and deployment of anti-personnel mines
- Raises questions about compliance with broader humanitarian law
- May impact Poland’s image as a supporter of international norms
Balancing national security imperatives with humanitarian commitments will be a central debate in the coming months.
What to Note for Prelims?
- Ottawa Convention (1997) bans anti-personnel landmines.
- Poland announced withdrawal, effective February 2026.
- Withdrawal linked to security concerns near Belarus and Kaliningrad.
- “East Shield” project aims to strengthen eastern border defence.
What to Note for Mains?
- Discuss the tension between national security and international arms control commitments.
- Examine the changing security architecture in Eastern Europe post-Ukraine conflict.
- Analyse the humanitarian implications of anti-personnel mine deployment.
- Evaluate the future of multilateral disarmament treaties in an era of renewed geopolitical rivalry.