On June 19, 2025, Finland's parliament voted overwhelmingly, with a tally of 157-18, to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, an international treaty that bans antipersonnel land mines, as part of its strategy to bolster defenses against potential threats from Russia.

This decision reflects Finland's heightened concerns about security risks from Russia, particularly in light of its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Finland's recent NATO membership in 2023.

With a lengthy 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, Finnish military officials argue that land mines are essential for defending their rugged terrain in the event of an attack.

The Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of antipersonnel mines, has been in effect since March 1999, with Finland having signed it in 2012.

Notably, key countries like the United States, Russia, China, and India have not ratified the treaty, while Germany remains a member.

Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, has expressed concerns that the increasing number of countries withdrawing from the treaty could jeopardize civilian safety and undermine humanitarian efforts.

Finland's withdrawal will take effect six months after it submits official notice to the United Nations.

The Ottawa Convention was established in 1997 and has been signed by over 160 states, yet it notably excludes major powers like the USA, Russia, China, and India.

Finland's withdrawal aligns with similar actions taken by Latvia and Lithuania, which have also voted to exit the treaty this year, indicating a regional trend among Nordic and Baltic nations responding to Russian aggression.

Poland is reportedly considering a similar withdrawal from the treaty as it fortifies its eastern borders in anticipation of potential Russian threats.

The global demand for land mines appears to be increasing, driven by ongoing conflicts such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where the use of such weapons has surged.

The decision to withdraw from the treaty is part of a broader strategy by Finland to enhance its military capabilities in a changing geopolitical landscape.