“Finland and Lithuania’s steps before production of such mines emphasize increasing concern in Europe by the fact that Russia’s military ambitions can go beyond Ukraine”, – WRITE: www.radiosvoboda.org
Two countries that border on Russia have announced their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use of such mines, and officials have stated that production could be started after the six -month exit process was completed.
Finland and Lithuania’s steps before production of such mines are emphasized by increasing concern in Europe by the fact that Russia’s military ambitions can go beyond Ukraine, and follow the promises of NATO countries to increase defense spending, in accordance with US President Donald Trump’s requirements.
“We are going to spend hundreds of millions of euros on anti -tank mines as well as anti -personnel mines. It will be a significant amount, ”said Deputy Minister of Defense of Lithuania Carolis Alex in an interview with Reuters.
As soon as the production is set up, Lithuania will be able to supply products to other countries, including Ukraine, said Vandasus Yurutis, Chairman of the Lithuanian Defense Industry Association.
The Chairman of the Defense Committee on the Finnish Parliament, Hikki Outto, has declared Reuters that Finland should have its own production of anti -personnel mines, they are a highly efficient and very economically profitable system of weapons.
According to him, Finland could also supply anti -personnel mines to Ukraine.
“To maintain Ukraine is not only the right duty, it is also important for Finland’s own security,” Outto said.
Lithuania has a 274 kilometer border with Russia and a 679-kilometer border with Belarus, a close ally of Moscow. Finland has a border with Russia 1340 km long, longer than any other NATO country.
Read also: Lithuania and Estonia reported the UN of the exit from the Convention on the Prohibition of Anti -Present Mines
The three other countries of NATO and the European Union – Poland, Latvia and Estonia – also proceeds from the Ottawa Treaty, referring to increasing concern about the security of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. These three countries did not announce plans to start the production of anti -personnel mines, but officials of Poland and Latvia noted that they can quickly start production when needed, and Estonia considers it as a possible option in the future.
Ukraine also announced that the Ottawa Treaty of 1997 to protect itself from a non -party to Russia. Each party accuses the other of the use of anti -personnel mines during the war.
It is estimated that 137 thousand kilometers are replaced in Ukraine – 23% of the country’s territory. Previously occupied territories and districts where fighting was filled with mines. Local authorities regularly announce civilians on these mines.
The Convention on the Prohibition of Anti -President Mins, or Ottawa Treaty, was signed in 1997 by 164 countries. States Parties have pledged to never use, develop, produce, produce or transfer anti-personnel mines, as well as destroy all the stocks they have. Russia, the US, China, India and Pakistan did not join the treaty.
In the spring of 2025, the Ministers of Defense of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland recommended that the authorities of their countries withdraw from the Convention, explaining that military threats to NATO countries bordering Russia and Belarus have “increased significantly.” Parliaments of the Baltic States, as well as Poland and Finland have approved withdrawal from the Convention.