### Ukraine's Strategic Shift: Withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Mines Treaty - On June 29, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a decree initiating Ukraine's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use and production of anti-personnel mines. This decision reflects Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia, which has reportedly been using such mines against Ukrainian forces and civilians. The move aligns Ukraine with other neighboring countries that have also opted out of the treaty amid security concerns. Notably, major powers like the United States, Russia, and China have not signed the treaty, highlighting a complex geopolitical landscape surrounding landmine use and international agreements [https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraine-track-withdraw-ottawa-anti-personnel-mines-treaty-lawmaker-says-2025-06-29][https://www.firstpost.com/world/zelenskyy-set-to-pull-ukraine-out-of-ottawa-convention-treaty-what-is-it-13901564.html]. ### Breakdown of Ukraine's Withdrawal Decision 1. **Decree Announcement**: President Zelenskiy signed the decree on June 29, 2025, which is now subject to ratification by the Ukrainian parliament and must be notified to the United Nations to take effect [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2025/06/29/zelensky-signs-decree-for-ukraines-withdrawal-from-anti-landmine-treaty]. 2. **Rationale Behind Withdrawal**: Lawmaker Roman Kostenko emphasized that the withdrawal is a response to Russia's non-compliance with the treaty, as Russia is not a party to the Convention and has been actively using mines in the conflict [https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-signs-decree-to-withdraw-from-ottawa-convention-banning-anti-personnel-mines-lawmaker-says-06-2025]. 3. **Regional Context**: Ukraine's decision follows similar withdrawals by its allies, including Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, all of which share borders with Russia and face similar security threats [https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/06/29/ukraine-to-withdraw-from-anti-personnel-mines-ban-treaty-says-zelenskyy]. 4. **International Implications**: The withdrawal raises questions about the future of anti-personnel mine regulations in conflict zones and the potential for increased use of such weapons in the ongoing war [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3486275-ukraine-moves-to-withdraw-from-ottawa-convention-amid-ongoing-conflict]. ### Supporting Evidence and Contextual Data - **Countries Involved**: Over 160 countries are parties to the Ottawa Convention, but significant military powers like the U.S., Russia, and China have not signed it, complicating global disarmament efforts [https://www.firstpost.com/world/zelenskyy-set-to-pull-ukraine-out-of-ottawa-convention-treaty-what-is-it-13901564.html]. - **Conflict Statistics**: The ongoing conflict has seen extensive use of landmines, with reports indicating that Russia has deployed these weapons against both military targets and civilian populations, exacerbating humanitarian crises [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3486240-ukraine-withdraws-from-ottawa-convention-amid-war-challenges]. ### Conclusion: Implications of Ukraine's Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention 1. **Strategic Necessity**: Ukraine's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention is a strategic response to the realities of its ongoing conflict with Russia, where the use of anti-personnel mines has become a significant concern [https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/29/zelensky-signs-decree-for-ukraines-withdrawal-from-anti-landmine-treaty-a89609]. 2. **Regional Security Dynamics**: The decision aligns Ukraine with other Eastern European nations facing similar threats, indicating a shift in regional security policies regarding landmines [https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/06/29/ukraine-to-withdraw-from-anti-personnel-mines-ban-treaty-says-zelenskyy]. 3. **Future Considerations**: The implications of this withdrawal could lead to increased military engagement and a reevaluation of international norms surrounding landmine use, particularly in conflict zones [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3486275-ukraine-moves-to-withdraw-from-ottawa-convention-amid-ongoing-conflict]. In summary, Ukraine's decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention marks a significant shift in its military strategy amid ongoing conflict, reflecting both immediate security needs and broader regional dynamics.