Lithuania and Poland mull exit from treaty banning landmines
The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense announced that the country is considering withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty. This move would pave the way for the use of anti-personnel mines, which could enhance the security of areas against potential attacks from Russia. The idea of withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty is also being discussed in Poland, where it has garnered support from some experts and military personnel.
Under the Ottawa Treaty, the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines are prohibited. The treaty's provisions took effect on March 1, 1999, with over 150 countries signing, including most NATO members. However, the United States did not ratify the Ottawa Treaty, and Russia's aggression in Ukraine has prompted some European countries to reconsider their position.
Will Lithuania use anti-personnel mines?
The Lithuanian government states it will consult with its allies regarding the potential withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty. It is likely that other Baltic countries neighboring Russia will be included in these discussions.
"The Ministry of National Defence will now consult with key allies to work out the details and ensure a unified approach to regional security," stated the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense in a communication.
Notably, calls for withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty also emerged in Poland last year. Some experts argue that it is a valid concept, citing the high effectiveness of anti-personnel mines in deterring hostile attacks.
High effectiveness of anti-personnel mines
"Mines are very effective. It is estimated that troops advancing through mined terrain suffer losses from mines alone at a level of 10-15 percent, which is very significant," indicated former commander of the land forces, Gen. Waldemar Skrzypczak, in a conversation with WP Tech.
Modern minefields can be deployed using heavy equipment, which is also part of the Polish army's arsenal. This includes, for instance, the Baobab-K remote mining system currently used for anti-tank mines. It is capable of laying a minefield 2,000 yards long and 200 yards wide in less than half an hour.
Anti-personnel mines in Ukraine
Anti-personnel mines are being used by Ukrainians to defend against Russians. Such equipment has been supplied to the front by the United States. This includes both the simplest anti-personnel mines like the M14 and M16, designed back in the 1950s, as well as scatterable mines like the Area-Denial Artillery Munition (ADAM), which are used in special versions of artillery shells.
