Lithuania mulls treaty exit for anti-personnel mine use
The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence has announced that the country is considering withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty. This move could pave the way for the use of anti-personnel mines, which would enhance the security of areas potentially threatened by Russian attacks. Similar suggestions about withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty have emerged in Poland, supported by some experts and military personnel.
Under the Ottawa Treaty, not only the use but also the stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines are prohibited. These provisions came into effect on 1 March 1999, with over 150 countries signing the treaty, including most NATO members; Poland did so in 2012. However, the United States did not ratify the Ottawa Treaty, and the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine has prompted some European countries to reconsider their positions.
Will Lithuania use anti-personnel mines?
Lithuanian authorities have claimed they will discuss the potential withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty with their allies. It can be assumed that other Baltic countries neighbouring Russia will be involved in these consultations.
"The Ministry of National Defence will now engage with key allies to develop the details and ensure a unified approach to regional security," stated the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence in a communication.
Interestingly, discussions about the necessity of withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty also arose in Poland last year. Some experts believe this to be a valid consideration, highlighting the very high effectiveness of anti-personnel mines in countering hostile attacks.
High effectiveness of anti-personnel mines
"Mines are highly effective. It is estimated that troops advancing through mined terrain suffer losses from mines alone at a rate of 10-15 per cent, which is quite significant," noted former commander of the land forces, Gen. Waldemar Skrzypczak, in a conversation with WP Tech.
Modern minefields can be deployed using heavy equipment, which forms part of the Polish army's arsenal. This includes, for instance, the Baobab-K remote mining system currently used for anti-tank mines. It is capable of laying a minefield 1,800 metres long and 180 metres wide in less than half an hour.
Anti-personnel mines in Ukraine
Ukrainians are using anti-personnel mines to defend against Russian forces. Such equipment has been supplied to the front by the United States. This includes both basic anti-personnel mines like the M14 and M16, designed back in the 1950s, as well as scatterable mines such as the Area-Denial Artillery Munition (ADAM) used in special versions of artillery shells.
