Poland's Exit from Ottawa Convention: Border Security Strategy

Poland is withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention to enable rapid deployment of anti-personnel mines on its eastern border. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Poland's strategic move to bolster border defense against potential threats from neighboring Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

Poland's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, as announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, is a strategic maneuver that allows the country to deploy anti-personnel mines swiftly along its eastern borders if necessary. This decision comes amid rising concerns over regional security threats from Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

The move is part of the "East Shield" project, a security initiative aimed at reinforcing Poland's territorial integrity. Tusk emphasized the importance of this development for national security during a press conference, indicating that it is currently in the final stages of planning.

In December, Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Zalewski revealed plans to recommence the production of anti-personnel mines after years of cessation since the Cold War. This withdrawal from the treaty, effective after a six-month process concluding in February 2026, positions Poland to enhance its defensive capabilities and potentially support Ukraine.