Poland Withdraws from Mine Ban Treaty to Fortify Eastern Border
Poland has officially announced its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, enabling the nation to deploy anti-personnel mines along its eastern border within 48 hours if a security threat emerges. Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed this strategic move on Thursday, as part of the comprehensive "East Shield" project designed to secure Poland's frontiers with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.
East Shield Programme to Equip Poland with Millions of Mines
This decision aligns Poland with most of Russia's European neighbours, excluding Norway, who have also exited the international mine-banning treaty. "We are in the process of finalising this mine project, which is crucial for our security, for the security of our territory and border," Mr Tusk emphasised during a press conference.
Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Zalewski revealed to Reuters in December that Warsaw would resume production of anti-personnel mines for the first time since the Cold War era. These mines are intended for deployment along Poland's eastern border and potential export to Ukraine. "We are interested in large quantities as soon as possible," Mr Zalewski stated, confirming that the mines would form an integral component of the East Shield defensive initiative.
Production Timeline and Strategic Priorities
When questioned about the possibility of production commencing next year, following the completion of the withdrawal process from the Ottawa Convention, Mr Zalewski responded: "I would very much like that... We have such needs." Poland initiated its withdrawal from the treaty in August, with the official exit set for 20 February 2026, after a mandatory six-month waiting period.
According to the Landmine and Cluster Munitions Monitor, Poland informed the United Nations in 1995 that it had abandoned production of anti-personnel mines in the mid-1980s and ceased all exports of such weapons. The state-owned company Belma, which already supplies the Polish army with various other types of mines, announced in December 2025 that Poland would be equipped with millions of mines under the East Shield programme.
Securing the 800-Kilometre Eastern Frontier
This extensive defensive measure aims to secure Poland's 800-kilometre (500-mile) eastern border. Belma's CEO Jaroslaw Zakrzewski told Reuters: "We are preparing for Polish demand ... to amount to 5-6 million mines of all types." He further indicated that exports to Ukraine were possible and that NATO countries bordering Russia, including the Baltic states, had already expressed interest in purchasing anti-personnel mines.
Mr Zakrzewski clarified that Poland's own security needs would take precedence, but any excess production capacity could be allocated to supply allies within the region. This strategic repositioning underscores Poland's heightened defensive posture in response to ongoing regional tensions and perceived threats from Russia and Belarus.
