Ukraine Withdraws from Mine Ban Treaty Amid Battlefield Setbacks

Ukraine's Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention

• 🇺🇦 On June 29th, Ukraine announced its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel landmines.
• 🗓️ This decision comes six months after a Ukrainian soldier, Oleksiy, lost his leg to a landmine, yet he believes Ukraine is justified in withdrawing.
• 🇷🇺 Oleksiy argues that since Russia does not adhere to conventions, Ukraine should not be bound by them either.

Rationale for Withdrawal

• ⚔️ Military analysts and a Ukrainian unit commander suggest that withdrawing from the treaty could help slow Russian advances.
• 🎯 Ukraine faces challenges with securing new US supplies of artillery and munitions, and a shortage of recruits to hold frontline positions.
• 🌲 Oleksiy himself stepped on a mine while defending a forest in Russian-held territory, highlighting the risks and potential strategic value of mines.

Criticisms and Concerns

• 💔 Anti-mine campaigners have condemned Ukraine's decision, warning that it opens the door to increased deployment of mines that can maim civilians, including children.
• 🌍 The director of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines stated that Kiev's decision would put civilians at risk for years and questioned why Ukraine would adopt the tactics of its enemy.
• ⚠️ Campaigners emphasize that mines which kill a high percentage of civilians are not a way to ensure Ukrainian safety.

Russian Use and Ukrainian Regulations

• ❓ Russia is not a party to the treaty and is accused by military analysts, rights groups, and Ukrainian soldiers of widely using anti-personnel mines.
• 🚫 Moscow has not confirmed its use of anti-personnel mines in Ukraine, though Ukraine reported nearly 300 civilian deaths and over 1,000 wounded by Russian mines in July 2024.
• 📜 A Ukrainian lawmaker stated that the armed forces would use munitions responsibly and that regulations exist for the use of anti-vehicle mines, including mapping their locations.