Baltic Nations Take Bold Stance: Withdrawing from Anti-Personnel Landmine Ban

In a significant move, the Lithuanian Parliament voted on Thursday to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, a treaty that prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines. The decision is seen as a response to growing concerns over Russia's military threat.

Lithuania is not alone in this decision; neighboring EU and NATO countries, including Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and Finland, have also indicated intentions to exit the treaty. Latvia's parliament already voted in April, paving the way for similar actions from its Baltic peers.

Once withdrawn, these countries will be permitted to stockpile and deploy landmines six months after notifying other treaty members and the United Nations. Russia, not a signatory of the Ottawa Convention, has reportedly used landmines during its Ukrainian invasion.

(With inputs from agencies.)