Ukraine moves to exit anti-mine treaty amid Russian escalation

Ukraine cites Russia's continued use of mines as reason to abandon the Ottawa Convention.
Text: Óscar Ontañón Docal
Published 2025-06-30

The latest news on Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree to begin the country's withdrawal from the international ban on anti-personnel mines, citing Russia's ongoing use of such weapons as justification.

"This is a step that the reality of war has long demanded. Russia is not a party to this Convention and is massively using mines against our military and civilians," said the secretary of the parliament's committee on national security, defence and intelligence.

The decision signals a shift in Kyiv's defence strategy as Russian forces continue to press their advantage across multiple fronts. Ukrainian officials argue that restrictions tied to the treaty are no longer tenable in a war where the opposing side faces no such limitations.

Kazan, Russia.2022, September 29. Anti-tank mines. The various types of mines used in warfare

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