Lithuania officially left the Ottawa Convention, prohibiting the usage and production of anti-personnel mines. According to the Ministry of Defence in Vilnius, the decision came into force after a six-month period of notice, which had previously been notified to the UN Secretary-General.
The hotel justifies the request to strengthen defence and deterrence capabilities. As the defence minister Robertas Kaunas stressed, the Lithuanian armed forces must be full free to usage all available means to effectively defend NATO's country and east flank.
After the formal withdrawal from the Treaty, Lithuania will start talks on the acquisition or production of anti-personnel mines. The media recalls that Vilnius, together with Finland, has been planning to launch its own production since 2026, besides with a view to supporting Ukraine. Hundreds of millions of euros are to be allocated for this purpose.
