Russia alleges Ukraine uses anti-personnel mines amid treaty exit

Russia accuses Ukraine of repeatedly using anti-personnel mines on civilians and says Kyiv’s recent withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention will not change the conflict dynamics.

Moscow dismissed Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention—a treaty banning the production and use of such mines—as ineffective in altering the battlefield.

Ukraine, which exited the treaty last month citing Russia’s tactics in the 40-month conflict, insists Russia has extensively used landmines during the war.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Kyiv of failing to comply with treaty obligations even before the withdrawal, noting that Ukraine had been required to destroy its anti-personnel mine stockpiles since 2010 but did not. Zakharova also highlighted that Ukraine’s treaty withdrawal only takes effect after the conflict ends.

Meanwhile, NATO members Lithuania and Finland plan to begin domestic production of anti-personnel mines next year to supply themselves and Ukraine, reflecting concerns about Russian military threats. Both countries intend to formally leave the Ottawa Convention following a six-month withdrawal process.

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