Statement: Ukraine announces withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty
On June 29, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree announcing Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines. Ukraine, which ratified the Convention in 2005, becomes the sixth state to withdraw or declare its intention to withdraw, following Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
A residential building in Kiev destroyed by shelling. | © O.Marikutsa / HI
Kyiv Confirms Departure Effective July 1, 2025
The use of antipersonnel landmines has been eradicated from the European continent for the past 30 years. Now they are back, and it is tragic. We acknowledge Ukraine’s right to defend itself in the context of an ongoing war.
Many reports show that antipersonnel landmines are no longer effective in modern warfare. Antipersonnel mines cause long-term contamination and pose grave risks to civilian populations. Globally, over 84% of landmine victims are civilians. The use of these weapons endangers lives not only during conflict but for decades afterwards, hindering reconstruction, safe return of displaced communities, and long-term peacebuilding. We call on Ukraine and all states to uphold international humanitarian norms and to prioritize the protection of civilians above all else.
Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is deeply concerned by Ukraine's decision to withdraw from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty. Furthermore, withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention during an active armed conflict is not authorised by the Convention. We urge all States Parties to the Ottawa Treaty to take all necessary diplomatic measures to prevent any further weakening of a fundamental international norm for the protection of civilians.
The use of anti-personnel mines by Ukraine has already been documented in 2022 in the Izium region. The United States also made two transfers of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine at the end of 2024. This decision set an extremely worrying precedent.
Russia has been using landmines extensively in Ukraine since 2022, and Ukraine has now become the most contaminated country worldwide. Leaving the Ottawa Convention risks further use of landmines inside the country, heavily impacting civilians.
To access the full report of contamination resulting from the explosive ordnance in Ukraine, check this factsheet.
