Finland is set to leave the 1997 Ottawa convention banning antipersonnel landmines, following similar moves by other neighbouring states bordering Russia. The move is aimed at preparing for potential security changes in the region.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced that exiting the treaty would allow Finland to “prepare for the changes in the security environment in a more versatile way.” He stated that Moscow poses a long-term threat to Europe, but Finland is not in immediate danger.
The decision comes amid rising tensions between Russia and its neighbours. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland recently quit the agreement, citing potential threats from Moscow. Orpo plans to increase Finland’s defence spending to at least 3% of gross domestic product by 2029, a rise of about €3 billion ($3.24bn).
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has been engaging in a balancing act between Moscow and Washington, warning about the need for tough relations with Russia while seeking good bilateral ties with the US. The Kremlin described Russia-Finland relations as being in a “sad state,” but added that President Vladimir Putin is open to normalising relations if Helsinki wants to rebuild ties.
Stubb met Trump on Sunday, urging him to set a deadline for the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire. It’s unclear whether he made any progress in winning the US president’s confidence during their meetings and golf outing.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/1/finland-joins-exodus-of-russian-neighbours-from-landmines-ban