Finland begins process to exit Ottawa Convention on landmines.

Finland has started the process to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel landmines. The decision was made to address the risks from Russia, with which Finland shares a 1,300 km border. The withdrawal requires parliamentary consent, presidential confirmation, and notification to the UN. Finland's defense ministers had recommended the move in March, citing the need for better protection against Russian aggression.

Finland has taken a significant step in its national security strategy by initiating the process to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. The decision, announced on May 28, 2025, is part of a broader effort to enhance defense capabilities against the perceived threat from Russia.

The move comes amid growing concerns about Russia's aggressive posture, particularly in the context of its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Finland, which shares a 1,300 km border with Russia, has historically been a significant provider of military aid to Ukraine. The country's defense ministers recommended the withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention in March, citing the need for better protection against potential Russian aggression [2].

The withdrawal process requires parliamentary consent, confirmation by President Alexander Stubb, and the formal notification of the instrument of withdrawal to the United Nations secretary general. The government's proposal to withdraw from the convention was submitted to the parliament on Wednesday, marking the start of a formal legislative procedure.

Finland's decision aligns with similar moves by other NATO states on Russia's eastern flank. Lithuania, for instance, has already withdrawn from the Ottawa Convention, and other neighboring countries such as Latvia and Estonia are also considering similar steps. These actions are part of a broader regional consensus aimed at bolstering defensive measures against potential threats from Russia [1].

While the withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention does not affect Finland's adherence to other international agreements on landmines, such as the 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons Amended Protocol II, it underscores the country's strategic shift in prioritizing immediate defense needs over humanitarian concerns. The decision is likely to provoke criticism from non-governmental organizations and humanitarian groups, but it is supported by a regional consensus that security concerns should take precedence.

References:
[1] https://lieber.westpoint.edu/leaving-ottawa-lithuania-denounces-anti-personnel-mines-convention/
[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-28/finland-starts-process-to-withdraw-from-landmine-ban-treaty