Finland has officially withdrawn from Ottawa Convention on Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines
Today, January 10, Finland's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines takes effect.
This was reported by YLE, according to Censor.NET.
What is known?
The Finnish government officially withdrew from the convention on July 10, 2025. This followed similar moves by countries such as Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland.
According to the terms of the convention, withdrawal takes effect six months after the UN Secretary-General receives the document of denunciation.
Justification of the decision
Finland justified its decision on security grounds, citing the deterioration of the security situation. Withdrawing from the treaty allows Finland to reintroduce anti-personnel mines into its military arsenal.
Which countries have already withdrawn from the Ottawa Convention?
As of the end of 2025, several countries had withdrawn or formally begun the process of withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention (the Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines, signed in 1997, entered into force in 1999).
- Latvia signed the withdrawal law and also submitted a notification of denunciation of the convention.
- Estonia, together with its neighbors, has submitted documents on withdrawal; the withdrawal will take effect six months after notification.
- Poland decided to withdraw from the convention and initiated the relevant procedure.
- The President of Ukraine has signed a decree to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention; parliament must approve this decision.
- On December 27, Lithuania officially withdrew from the convention banning the use and production of anti-personnel mines.
