Lithuania notifies UN of withdrawal from Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention
Photo: Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys (Getty Images)
Lithuania has notified the United Nations (UN) of its withdrawal from the anti-personnel mine ban treaty, stated Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, according to Reuters and the official's post on X.
"Today, Lithuania has formally notified the UN Secretary-General of its withdrawal from the Mine Ban Treaty. This decision was not taken lightly," Kęstutis Budrys stated.
Reuters notes that the country will cease to be bound by the treaty 6 months after this notification.
Budrys emphasized that Lithuania has no illusions that "Putin’s Russia is the greatest long-term existential threat to Europe".
"It wages war to achieve political goals, undermines stability through sabotage, and is preparing for prolonged confrontation. In the face of such threats, Lithuania will take all necessary measures to defend its state, population, and every inch of NATO territory — with all effective military means," the minister's post states.
The Foreign Minister added that Lithuania's commitment to responsible defense and international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, remains unwavering.
Reuters also reminded that the parliaments of all NATO and EU countries bordering Russia, namely Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Poland, have approved the withdrawal of their countries from the treaty, citing the growing military threat from Russia.
Lithuania enhances border security
In April, it became known that Lithuania was strengthening border security and introducing new restrictions at checkpoints due to provocations by Belarus.
In general, the reason for this decision was the growing threats to the country's state security related to illegal migration, as well as changes in the tactics of the intelligence and border guard services of Belarus.
