Ukraine withdrew from the Ottawa Convention due to Russian aggression
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine explained that the Ottawa Convention, which Ukraine supported, complicated the possibility of self-defense in the context of Russian aggression. Russia uses anti-personnel mines in its war, which gives the aggressor an advantage.
At the time of signing and ratifying the convention, Russian aggression was not relevant, making it difficult for Ukraine to defend against aggression. This situation forced countries of the European Union to also withdraw from this convention due to the threat posed by Russia.
Since 2022, when Russia began its full-scale invasion of our state, its mass use of such means has created an asymmetrical advantage for the aggressor
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Ukraine's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention to ensure the country's defense capabilities in the context of Russian aggression and to preserve sovereignty and independence.
History of the Convention
The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines was concluded to end the use of these means in armed conflicts. Ukraine signed the convention in 1999 and ratified it in 2005.
Poland also decided to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention to prohibit the use of anti-personnel mines.
After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the mass use of anti-personnel mines gave the aggressor an advantage, prompting Ukraine and other countries to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention. The situation with Russian aggression requires new approaches to ensuring national security.