Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially signed a decree aimed at withdrawing Ukraine from the Ottawa Convention, an international treaty that prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines. This decision follows a meeting of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine held on June 29, 2025, and has been communicated through a document published on the President’s official website.
The Ottawa Convention, which has been ratified by over 160 countries and territories, forbids signatories from acquiring, producing, stockpiling, or deploying anti-personnel mines. These devices are often concealed underground and can inflict severe injuries or fatalities on individuals who inadvertently trigger them, posing significant long-term risks to civilian populations even after conflicts have ended.
Zelensky’s decree underscores the pressing need to prioritize the safety of Ukrainian citizens amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, as articulated by the Ukrainian foreign ministry. The ministry described the withdrawal as a “difficult but necessary” measure aimed at safeguarding the nation from ongoing Russian aggression and atrocities. “Ukraine is compelled to give unconditional priority to the security of its citizens and the defense of the state,” the statement read.
Roman Kostenko, a member of Ukraine’s parliament, echoed this sentiment on social media, asserting that the withdrawal from the treaty is a response to the extensive use of mines by Russian forces against both military personnel and civilians. “We cannot remain bound by conditions when the enemy has no restrictions,” he stated, emphasizing the dire circumstances imposed by the conflict.
Before the withdrawal can take effect, it must be ratified by the Ukrainian parliament and formally notified to the United Nations. The move follows similar actions by neighboring countries, including Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, which have also sought to exit the treaty given the precarious security situation stemming from Russian hostilities.
In March, human rights organizations expressed their disapproval of these nations’ decisions to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, highlighting concerns about the long-term humanitarian implications of using anti-personnel mines during wartime. Despite these critiques, Ukraine appears resolute in its decision to enhance its defense capabilities in the face of a prolonged and brutal invasion.
