Poland and Baltics plan Ottawa Treaty exit, sparking fears for the landmine ban’s future [Video]

Against the backdrop of Russia’s three-year war in Ukraine, Poland and the Baltics are preparing to exit the Ottawa Treaty, the landmark agreement that saw 164 countries destroy their arsenals of landmines and ban future use. 

But critics of the decision, including the Canadian who developed and promoted the agreement, warn this is more likely to harm the four countries’ civilians and economies than be a successful weapon in warfare. 

In a joint statement released Tuesday, the defence ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia recommended withdrawing from the landmine ban, citing the rising threat from Russia and its ally Belarus as the reason.

Although a final decision has yet to be voted on by their respective parliaments, the news has sparked concern in Europe, Canada and among human rights advocates, who warn this departure could undermine the lifesaving treaty established in 1999 — and set off a domino effect with other global agreements. 

Latvia as a case study

Latvia …