Ukraine Moves to Withdraw from Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines
Ukrainian Parliament Debates Exit From Treaty Banning Production and Use of Landmines Amid Ongoing Conflict with Russia
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly signed a decree initiating the country's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the production, stockpiling, transfer, and use of anti-personnel mines.
This decision was announced by Roman Kostenko, secretary of the Ukrainian parliament's committee on national security, defense, and intelligence, on his Facebook page on June 29, 2025.
Ukraine accceded to the convention in 2005, and any withdrawal requires parliamentary approval.
As of the time of reporting, the decree has not been posted on the official website of the President's Office.
Kostenko justified the move by stating that Russia, which is not a party to the Convention, has been using landmines extensively against Ukrainian military forces and civilians in its ongoing war efforts.
Kostenko emphasized that Ukraine cannot afford to be restricted by the treaty when facing an enemy without such limitations.
He highlighted the need for legislative action to grant Ukraine the right to defend its territory effectively.
Russia's intensified military offensives in recent months, characterized by a significant advantage in manpower, have further underscored the necessity of this step.
The move reflects a broader strategy within Ukraine to address security concerns amid protracted conflict and ongoing challenges posed by Russia's military presence and operations within its borders.
This decision was announced by Roman Kostenko, secretary of the Ukrainian parliament's committee on national security, defense, and intelligence, on his Facebook page on June 29, 2025.
Ukraine accceded to the convention in 2005, and any withdrawal requires parliamentary approval.
As of the time of reporting, the decree has not been posted on the official website of the President's Office.
Kostenko justified the move by stating that Russia, which is not a party to the Convention, has been using landmines extensively against Ukrainian military forces and civilians in its ongoing war efforts.
Kostenko emphasized that Ukraine cannot afford to be restricted by the treaty when facing an enemy without such limitations.
He highlighted the need for legislative action to grant Ukraine the right to defend its territory effectively.
Russia's intensified military offensives in recent months, characterized by a significant advantage in manpower, have further underscored the necessity of this step.
The move reflects a broader strategy within Ukraine to address security concerns amid protracted conflict and ongoing challenges posed by Russia's military presence and operations within its borders.
