Ukraine Joins Other Russian Neighbours in Quitting Landmines Treaty: Another Deadly Legacy in the Making

Ukraine joins other Russian neighbours in quitting landmines treaty: another deadly legacy in the making

Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, recently signed a decree to withdraw from the Ottawa convention banning the use of anti-personnel landmines. This move follows the example of Finland, Poland, Estonia and Lithuania, who all quit the treaty in recent months. The logic behind these states withdrawing from the treaty is mostly because of the threat posed by Russia. At first glance landmines seem like a cost-effective way to deter or slow an …

Ukraine ‘Suspends’ Vital Mine Ban Treaty

On July 18, Ukraine formally informed the United Nations that it has suspended its operation of the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, the landmark international treaty prohibiting antipersonnel landmines. The action puts civilians at risk, undermines fundamental humanitarian and legal norms, and is contrary to public international law.

Humanitarian Norms Eroded as NATO States Exit Landmines Treaty

This article contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. The past months have seen an exodus of European countries from a long-standing international law prohibiting the use of anti-personnel mines. Signed in Ottawa in 1997, the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Convention) outlaws landmines and cluster munitions as indiscriminate weapons.  Not a party to the Ottawa Convention, the Russian military’s use of landmine…