Finland's Strategic Shift: Quitting Landmine Convention Amidst Russian Threat
Finland, a NATO member, has made the decision to withdraw from the global convention prohibiting antipersonnel landmines, while also committing to increase its defense spending to at least 3% of GDP by 2029. This strategic move comes in response to the evolving military threats posed by Russia, as articulated by the Finnish government on Tuesday.
In recent actions, Poland and the Baltic nations—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—announced their intentions to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, signaling a growing concern over Russia's military posture. Finland, which shares NATO's longest border with Russia, may now begin stockpiling landmines again, preparing for potential future conflicts.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo addressed the press, stating that while Finland does not face an immediate military threat, the long-term implications of Russian aggression are significant for all of Europe. "Withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention will give us the possibility to prepare for changes in the security environment in a more versatile way," he remarked.
In line with this shift, Finland plans to allocate an additional 3 billion euros to its defense budget, which will increase military spending from approximately 2.4% in 2024 to the target of 3% of GDP by 2029. President Alexander Stubb emphasized on social media that this move represents Finland's commitment to a stronger European defense posture.
These announcements take place amid heightened anxieties regarding Russia's military activities, especially following U.S. President Donald Trump's insistence on ending the war in Ukraine. This situation has raised concerns in Poland and the Baltic nations, fearing that Russia may shift its focus and rearm against them.
Finland's NATO membership, which began in 2023, marked a significant departure from decades of nonalignment, largely influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which prompted fears of potential Russian countermeasures.
Discussions about withdrawing from the Ottawa treaty began last November when Finland's military commander suggested reevaluating its position in light of Russia's use of such weapons in Ukraine. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Sari Essayah defended the decision, stating that Finland would employ landmines responsibly, underscoring their role as a necessary deterrent.
Antipersonnel landmines can lie dormant until triggered by unsuspecting individuals, leading to devastating casualties long after conflicts have ended. Finland previously destroyed over one million landmines after 2012, becoming the last EU state to sign the Ottawa Convention, a treaty ratified by more than 160 nations, excluding Russia.
The 1997 treaty aimed to promote global disarmament after the Cold War, with anti-landmine activists awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the same year due to their relentless efforts for a safer world. However, the legacy of landmines continues to haunt many nations, as these deadly devices have killed and injured tens of thousands of civilians, long after wars have ceased.
Finland's departure from the treaty will require parliamentary approval, but it is expected to secure considerable backing from both government and opposition parties, reflecting a united front in the face of perceived external threats.
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