Finland's Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on Landmines

In a significant policy shift, Finland has announced its intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the storage, production, sale, and use of landmines. This decision, revealed by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, aligns Finland with other nations in the region, including Poland and the Baltic states, who have also chosen to exit the treaty.

The backdrop of this move is the escalating security threat posed by Russia, which has prompted discussions about the need for increased military capabilities among neighboring countries. While the use of landmines is widely recognized for causing devastating damage, the changing geopolitical landscape has led to a reassessment of their role in national defense strategies.

Historically, over 160 countries have committed to the Ottawa Treaty, with Sweden being among them since its ratification in 1998. The last Swedish manufacturer of landmines ceased production in 1993. Despite this, Finland's military leaders argue that the security situation has markedly changed since their initial commitment to the treaty. Finland's Defense Forces Commander, Janne Jaakkola, pointed out that the extensive use of infantry by Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine necessitates a reconsideration of landmine policies.

Defense experts in Finland have noted that landmines could serve as an effective deterrent in the country's unique terrain, which features a long and wooded border with Russia. The Finnish military had previously estimated that the deployment of landmines could significantly slow down any potential invasion from the north.

Advancements in technology since the 1990s have also sparked discussions about 'smart mines,' which could be activated or deactivated remotely. Such innovations aim to mitigate the risks to civilians and facilitate post-conflict demining efforts. Finland's Defense Minister, Antti Häkkänen, emphasized that these mines would be strictly used in wartime scenarios, ensuring they are not indiscriminately scattered in nature.

In Sweden, the political landscape is evolving, with parties such as the Christian Democrats and the Sweden Democrats expressing openness to reintroducing landmines into the military arsenal. The Moderate Party has so far opposed this idea, but the debate surrounding the Ottawa Convention and the potential role of landmines in Sweden's defense strategy is gaining traction.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that five out of six NATO countries bordering Russia are preparing to train their conscripts in landmine handling. This raises questions about whether Swedish soldiers should receive similar training to ensure they are adequately prepared for contemporary military challenges.

While the desire to avoid landmines reflects a broader wish to prevent conflict, the deteriorating security environment in Europe demands a serious evaluation of military preparedness. Sweden's commitment to NATO and its obligations to its eastern neighbors necessitate a proactive approach to national defense, which may include reassessing the role of landmines.