Poland Landmines: Tusk Says Border Can Be Mined in 48 Hours After Ottawa Treaty Exit

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that Poland can deploy anti-personnel landmines along its border with Russia and Belarus within 48 hours following the country's withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty on February 20, 2026. This dramatic shift in defense policy marks a significant escalation in border security measures amid heightened tensions with Russia and represents Poland's first resumption of landmine production since the Cold War era.

What is the Ottawa Treaty?

The Ottawa Treaty, formally known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, is a 1997 international agreement aimed at eliminating anti-personnel landmines worldwide. The treaty entered into force on March 1, 1999, and as of August 2025, 162 states had ratified or acceded to it. However, major powers including the United States, China, and Russia are not parties to the agreement. The treaty emerged from the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), which began organizing in 1991, and represents a cornerstone of humanitarian disarmament efforts.

Poland's Strategic Withdrawal and Rapid Deployment Capability

During a press conference on February 19, 2026, Prime Minister Tusk stated: 'We are now able to deploy anti-personnel mines along our eastern border within 48 hours after the Ottawa Treaty expires for Poland on February 20. This is crucial for our security and our borders.' Poland began its withdrawal process in August 2025, along with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, citing the increasing threat from neighboring Russia.

The East Shield Defense Program

Poland's landmine deployment is part of the comprehensive 'East Shield' defensive project, a $2.5 billion initiative that includes:

• Fortifications along 700km of border with Belarus and Kaliningrad
• Advanced surveillance systems and AI-powered reconnaissance
• Physical barriers and reinforced fencing
• Integrated monitoring systems

The program aims to create a multi-layered defense system along NATO's eastern border, with Poland's section connecting to the coordinated Baltic Defense Line being implemented by Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

Landmine Production and Strategic Implications

Poland is resuming production of anti-personnel mines for the first time since the Cold War, with state-owned company Belma estimating that Poland needs 5-6 million mines of all types to secure its 800-km eastern border. Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Zalewski confirmed that production is already underway, with plans to manufacture between 100,000 to 1 million mines through both state and private manufacturers.

Key Strategic Considerations:

1. Border Security: The mines will primarily secure Poland's borders with Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad exclave
2. Export Potential: Poland may export mines to Ukraine and other NATO countries bordering Russia
3. Regional Coordination: The move aligns with similar actions by Baltic states that have also withdrawn from the Ottawa Treaty
4. Defense Spending: Poland's defense spending has reached 4.5% of GDP, making it NATO's largest European military force

International Context and Humanitarian Concerns

The decision comes amid a broader regional shift, with Ukraine also withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty in 2025 to enhance its defense capabilities against Russia. Human rights organizations have expressed concern about these developments, with Human Rights Watch challenging Ukraine's suspension of treaty obligations and arguing that such actions undermine humanitarian disarmament efforts.

'The treaty's humanitarian purpose is most critical during conflict,' noted a Human Rights Watch representative, emphasizing that the Ottawa Treaty explicitly applies 'under any circumstances' including armed conflict.

Impact on Regional Security and NATO Strategy

Poland's rapid deployment capability represents a significant shift in European defense posture. As the only NATO country bordering both Russia and Ukraine, Poland sees itself on the front line against Moscow's alleged destabilization attempts. The country has announced a record 155 billion euro ($160 billion) investment plan for 2025 aimed at strengthening security, with significant funds allocated to defense and border fortification.

The coordinated approach with Baltic states creates a continuous line of fortifications along NATO's eastern border, reflecting the deteriorating regional security environment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This development also comes as Poland holds the EU presidency and prioritizes security as a key EU policy focus, supporting the European Commission's 'ReArm Europe' plan proposing €800 billion for defense across five pillars.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Poland officially exit the Ottawa Treaty?

Poland's official exit from the Ottawa Treaty occurs on February 20, 2026, following a six-month withdrawal period that began in August 2025.

How many landmines does Poland need for border security?

State-owned company Belma estimates Poland needs 5-6 million mines of all types to secure its 800-km eastern border with Belarus and Kaliningrad.

Which other countries have withdrawn from the Ottawa Treaty?

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine have also withdrawn or suspended their obligations under the Ottawa Treaty, citing security concerns related to the Russo-Ukrainian War.

What is the East Shield program?

The East Shield is Poland's $2.5 billion defensive initiative that includes fortifications, surveillance systems, and now landmines along 700km of border with Belarus and Kaliningrad.

Will Poland export landmines to other countries?

Polish officials have indicated potential exports to Ukraine and other NATO countries bordering Russia that have shown interest in purchasing mines.

Sources

Reuters: Poland can mine border within 48 hours after Ottawa Convention exit

The Independent: Poland withdrawing from Ottawa Convention for border mines

Wikipedia: Ottawa Treaty overview and status

Army Recognition: Poland and Baltic states border mining strategy