Finland plans to withdraw from landmine ban treaty

HELSINKI — Finland announced Tuesday that it is preparing to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines, citing changing security dynamics in the region.

President Alexander Stubb said the decision follows a comprehensive assessment by the Finnish Defense Forces and relevant ministries.

“Finland will prepare for the withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention,” Stubb posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding that the move comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen national defense.

He also announced that Finland will raise its defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2029, saying, “Finland will always remain a responsible actor in the world, safeguarding its security and defense.”

The Ottawa Convention, also known as the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, prohibits the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.

Finland’s decision follows similar declarations by four other NATO states — Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland — amid heightened tensions resulting from Russia’s war in Ukraine. — Agencies