On Friday, Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė told reporters that Lithuania is preparing to decide on its withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use of anti-personnel landmines. She indicated that this could be part of a broader regional initiative. Lithuania ratified the Ottawa Treaty in 2004, which prohibits using, stockpiling, producing, and transferring anti-personnel mines.
“We expect to reach a positive outcome and announce a regional decision concerning the Ottawa Treaty very soon,” she stated during a press conference. According to the minister, this announcement may come sooner than within weeks or months. She noted that Finland has yet to decide on the issue but expressed satisfaction that a regional consensus is being pursued.
On 13 March, the Lithuanian minister was in Poland, where she met with the Polish Defence Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
“Our countries are a perfect example of acting together and right on time. Currently working on: – Regional decision regarding withdrawal from Ottawa treaty. It’s right around the corner now – EU financial instruments for protecting the North East border w/ russia and Belarus – Collective interpretation of maritime law in region&NATO, extension of enchanced NATO presence in Baltic Sea to protect critical infrastructure One more thing: ball is now in russia’s court – we must stay vigilant even if ceasefire happens, as russia’s imperial ambitions are fully present. Growing our military capabilities & strengthening alliances is of utmost importance,” Šakalienė posted on X after the meeting in Warsaw.
In January 2025, the Ministry of National Defence provided political and military advice recommending Lithuania’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty. This move will require a proposal from the president, following approval from the State Defence Council and then denunciation by the Parliament.
