NATO States Create Minefields to Counter Russian Threat

Five NATO countries bordering Russia and its ally, Belarus, have decided to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty of 1997, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines. These nations—Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia—plan to establish a minefield extending approximately 2,000 miles as part of a defensive strategy against potential aggression from Russia.

This shift comes in response to what these states perceive as an escalating threat from Russia, as well as the demonstrated effectiveness of both anti-personnel (AP) and anti-tank (AT) landmines in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While AP mines are designed to detonate upon human contact, AT mines target vehicles and are not covered by the Ottawa Treaty, allowing for their continued use by member states.

Impact of Landmines in Modern Warfare

Landmines have proven to be effective defensive tools, particularly in the context of the Ukraine war. Shortly after Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian forces utilized Soviet-era AT mines to halt the advance of Russian armored columns towards Kyiv. The use of these mines disrupted enemy movements, providing Ukrainian troops crucial time to fortify their defenses.

As the conflict progressed, the presence of extensive minefields forced both Ukrainian and Russian forces to adapt their strategies. The tactical emphasis shifted from rapid maneuvers to more attritional approaches, where artillery fire became a determining factor in success. Ukrainian forces have integrated minefields into their “fortress belt” strategy across the Donbas region.

Despite having signed the Ottawa Treaty in 2005, Ukraine officially withdrew from the agreement in June 2023. President Volodymyr Zelensky defended the decision, stating that “anti-personnel mines… very often have no alternative as a tool for defense.” This underscores the complex ethical considerations surrounding the use of landmines in contemporary warfare.

Regional Responses and Controversy

The decision by these five NATO states to abandon the Ottawa Treaty has drawn criticism from human rights organizations. They argue that the withdrawal undermines humanitarian efforts to eliminate weapons that pose a long-term threat to civilian populations. While the UK remains a signatory to the treaty, the United States, Russia, and China did not sign it initially.

Russia, possessing what is believed to be the world’s largest stockpile of AP mines—estimated at 26.5 million—has also employed these weapons in the conflict. Zelensky has accused Russia of using AP mines in a particularly sinister manner, including reports of booby-trapping deceased soldiers.

The evolution of mine warfare has also been influenced by technological advancements. Drones are now being utilized to lay mines more efficiently, changing the landscape of military engagement. The combination of traditional landmines with modern technology highlights their continuing relevance in current and future conflicts.

With the ongoing war in Ukraine characterized by static frontlines and a focus on defense, the recent decisions by these NATO countries reflect a significant shift in military strategy. The reintroduction of landmines is viewed as essential for enhancing their defensive capabilities, reinforcing the notion that even low-tech solutions can play a pivotal role in modern warfare.

As these nations move forward, they are not only seeking to procure AP mines domestically but are also looking to source them from the United States. The implications of these developments could reshape the dynamics of military engagement in Europe and beyond, as countries reassess their defense strategies in light of emerging threats.