By Chatnewstv.com
HELSINKI — Finland’s formal withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, the international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, officially took effect Saturday, marking a significant shift in the nation’s defense strategy following years of heightened regional tensions.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs announced that the six-month notice period, initiated in July 2025, has concluded. The move allows the Nordic nation—which shares an 830-mile border with Russia—to begin the process of reintegrating landmines into its national defense arsenal.
“Finland’s decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention was based on an assessment of Finland’s defence needs in the deteriorated security environment,” the ministry said in a statement. “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has profoundly changed the security environment of Finland and throughout Europe.”
Government officials emphasized that the primary objective of the policy shift is to safeguard Finland’s independence and territorial integrity. By exiting the treaty, the Finnish Defense Forces can now begin formal planning to supplement existing capabilities with anti-personnel mines, which were previously destroyed or phased out after Finland joined the convention in 2012.
Despite the withdrawal, Helsinki maintained that it remains dedicated to global demining efforts and ethical warfare.
“Finland remains committed to the humanitarian objectives of the Ottawa Convention and will continue to support humanitarian mine action,” the ministry stated, noting that the country will continue to comply with all other obligations under international humanitarian law.
Finland originally gave notice of its intent to leave the treaty on July 10, 2025, notifying the United Nations Secretary-General and the U.N. Security Council. Under the terms of the convention, a withdrawal becomes effective six months after the instrument of withdrawal is received.
Defense officials said the reintroduction of the mines will proceed through standard administrative planning, with specific timelines and procurement details to be communicated at a later date.
