Poland Withdraws from Ottawa Convention: Return to Production and Use of Anti-Personnel Mines

Prime Minister Donald Tusk informed about a groundbreaking decision regarding national security. As of February 20, 2026, Poland is formally withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention. This decision allows for the reintroduction of anti-personnel mines into defense plans, which are to become an integral part of the East Shield project. The head of government emphasized that in the event of a real threat, Polish armed forces will be capable of mining key border sections in just 48 hours. Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced coordination of these actions with other countries in the region that are also considering or have already taken similar legislative steps. The resumption of arms production is planned in domestic plants, including Bydgoskie Zakłady Elektromechaniczne Belma and the Radom-based company Pronit. The Ministry of Defense is focusing on modern systems, such as the Polish scatterable mining system Bluszcz. While the government argues that mines are a necessary element of deterrence, humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International, express deep concern. They point out that anti-personnel mines pose a long-term threat to civilians, with children being a significant proportion of the victims. Poland thus joins the group of countries neighboring Russia that consider the treaty's rigors unsuitable for the current geopolitical situation. Minefields were a standard element of defense architecture in Europe during the Cold War. A mass abandonment of this weapon occurred only at the end of the 20th century as a result of social campaigns that led to the signing of the treaty in Ottawa in 1997. An additional thread in the public debate remains personal and historical issues. Minister Radosław Sikorski in an interview with „Der Spiegel” referred to Poland's role in Europe and the issue of reparations from Germany and potential claims against Russia, which fits into the broader context of Warsaw's assertive foreign policy. At the same time, media reports on controversies surrounding Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty and his asset declarations, which have become a flashpoint in internal disputes. „In these hours, Poland is leaving the Ottawa Convention. Thanks to this, in case of a threat, we will be able to deploy mines on the border within 48 hours.” — Donald Tusk 48 godzin — the time the Polish military needs to mine the border after leaving the treaty Change in Status of Anti-Personnel Mines in Poland: Mine Production: Prohibited → Permitted and Planned; Stockpiling Reserves: Forbidden (stocks destroyed) → Permitted building of reserves; Combat Use: Inadmissible → Element of East Shield strategy