Baltic nations withdraw from Ottawa Treaty, citing defense needs against Russian threats and advocating for increased NATO spending.
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Lithuania, along with Latvia, Estonia, and Poland, announced its withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty against anti-personnel landmines. The decision was driven by political signaling to deter Russia and Belarus, as well as practical military effectiveness against Russian tactics. Lithuania’s Deputy Minister of Defense stated that while respecting international humanitarian law, national security is paramount. Regarding defense spending, he believes the 2% target is obsolete and advocates for increased investment in both European and American defense industries. Concerning future threats, Lithuania must be prepared for all scenarios, including hybrid warfare, which requires addressing issues like cyberattacks and critical underwater infrastructure. For the upcoming NATO summit, Lithuania aims to push for greater defense spending and a stronger stance on collective defense against hybrid threats. The minister stressed that the threat from Russia is real due to its disregard for international norms, necessitating current investment in credible deterrence rather than waiting for future peace.
