Poland has announced its decision to utilize anti-personnel and anti-tank landmines in the defense of its eastern border against the perceived threat from Russia. This move comes as the country officially withdrew from the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines due to their long-lasting impact and severe harm to civilians in conflict zones like Cambodia, Angola, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Having ratified the treaty in 2012 and completed the destruction of its domestic anti-personnel mine stockpile in 2016, Poland has now withdrawn from the agreement and intends to resume the production of these weapons. Pawel Zalewski, Poland’s deputy defense minister, emphasized the importance of these mines in fortifying the defense structure along NATO’s eastern flank, particularly on the border with Russia and Belarus.
Citing the need to defend against Russia’s perceived aggressive intentions towards its neighbors, Zalewski highlighted that Russia never committed to the international landmine ban treaty. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, neighboring countries, including Poland, have been reconsidering their adherence to the treaty, with Warsaw joining other nations like Finland, the Baltic states, and Ukraine in exiting the agreement.
Landmines, explosive devices placed underground that detonate upon contact with individuals or vehicles, are a critical component of Poland’s defense strategy. The country plans to domestically produce both anti-personnel and anti-tank landmines and collaborate with local manufacturers to achieve self-sufficiency. Prime Minister Donald Tusk affirmed that Poland would be capable of deploying mines along its eastern borders within 48 hours in response to any perceived threats.
As part of the Eastern Shield strategy, Poland aims to establish mine stockpiles along its borders with Belarus and Russia to enhance its fortifications. Zalewski emphasized that the deployment of landmines would only occur in response to a credible threat of Russian aggression, ensuring the safety of Polish citizens. Despite concerns raised by human rights groups about the dangers posed by anti-personnel mines to civilians, Zalewski reiterated that Poland, while not aggressive, remains prepared to utilize all necessary means to deter potential threats from Russia.
