Finland's Strategic Shift: Ditching the Ottawa Convention for Defense

In a significant political move, Finland's parliament has voted decisively to exit an international treaty concerning antipersonnel land mines. This decision forms part of a broader strategic effort to bolster its defenses against neighboring Russia.

Finland, which recently became a member of NATO, shares an extensive 1,340-kilometre land border with Russia. The utilization of land mines is being considered as a defensive measure to protect Finland's formidable and expansive terrain in case of a military threat.

The withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention sparks regional unease, mirroring concerns across the Nordics and Baltics about a possible Russian incursion, especially following Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine. Critics emphasize the humanitarian dangers, warning that this shift jeopardizes previous strides in international disarmament efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)