Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has voiced support for withdrawing Poland from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use of anti-personnel landmines. His comments, made in parliament, reflect growing concern among NATO countries bordering Russia about regional security and modern warfare threats.
“I recommend a positive stance on Poland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, and possibly also from the Dublin Convention,” Tusk said, referring to international agreements on banning anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions.
Tusk emphasized that while such measures are harsh and undesirable, the current geopolitical climate demands a reassessment of national defense capabilities.
“Let’s be honest—it’s not something pleasant or noble. But the fact is, those we fear or who are currently at war have these weapons,” he added.
His comments follow similar discussions in Finland and Lithuania, both NATO members bordering Russia. On Thursday, Lithuania formally withdrew from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, citing direct threats from Moscow.
The shift signals a broader rethinking of arms control agreements in the face of Russia’s aggressive military posture and growing concern over Europe’s defensive readiness.
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