The quartet, which is bordered by Russia, has proposed withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty, but added that there are no plans to use landmines.
Poland and the Baltic states will withdraw from international treaties banning the use of landmines, citing potential military threats from neighboring Russia.
The defense ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia said in a statement Tuesday that they “recommendate unanimously to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention.”
The statement argued that neither Russia nor the US have signed up, but that the security situation in the region has “fundamentally worsened” since the treaty was ratified in 1999 by more than 160 countries.
“The military threat to NATO member states that border Russia and Belarus has increased significantly,” the statement read.
Poland joined the Western military alliance the same year that the treaty was ratified. The Baltic States became NATO members in 2004.
“With this decision, we are sending a clear message. Our country is prepared and can use all necessary measures to protect our territory and freedom,” the statement continued.
The Baltic countries, previously part of the Soviet Union, have repeatedly warned that a clear reconciliation between Russia and the United States would threaten their security and Ukraine’s security.
Despite intentions to leave the Ottawa Convention, the defense minister said he will continue to commit to humanitarian law, including protecting civilians during armed conflict.
“Currently there are no plans to develop, stockpile or use anti-pannel mines that were previously banned,” said Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pebukul.
“Estonia and our regional allies remain committed to supporting international humanitarian law and civilian protection, even after they withdraw from the Ottawa Convention,” he added.
In a report released last year, the International Watchdog Grand Mine Monitor said that landmines were actively used in 2023 and 2024 by Russia, Myanmar, Iran and North Korea.
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