Finland and Lithuania to Produce Anti-Personnel Mines Amidst Russian Threat

Shifting Stance on Landmines

• 🇫🇮 Finland and 🇱v Lithuania are preparing to begin domestic production of anti-personnel landmines next year.
• 🎯 This decision is driven by the perceived military threat from Russia and aims to supply both nations and Ukraine.
• ⚠️ Both countries are withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of such mines, with Ukraine also initiating its withdrawal.

Rationale Behind Production

• ⚡ Lithuanian deputy defense minister stated plans to acquire various mine types, including anti-tank and anti-personnel.
• 📈 The rationale for anti-personnel mines is linked to Russian tactics involving large, forceful, and efficient use of live forces.
• 🇪🇺 The decisions by Finland and Lithuania reflect growing security concerns across Europe regarding Russia's ambitions beyond Ukraine.

Broader European Context

• 🛡️ Poland, Latvia, and Estonia are also withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention due to escalating security concerns related to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
• ⚖️ Officials emphasize prioritizing national security and self-defense over adherence to the convention, framing it as a choice between defending oneself or opening gates to an enemy.

Criticisms and Concerns

• 🚫 Anti-mine campaigners have criticized the countries leaving the Ottawa Convention.
• 💰 Concerns have been raised that reintroducing anti-personnel mine production could be expensive and require a significant amount of time to become fully operational.