The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has addressed the challenging situation the country faces due to the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel mines.

This information was confirmed by the MFA.

It is noted that in 2005 Ukraine ratified this convention and has adhered to its provisions since then.

However, the Russian Federation, not being a party to the Ottawa Convention, has launched aggression against Ukraine and has widely used anti-personnel mines since 2014.

 "Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, the massive use of such means has given the aggressor an asymmetric advantage.

We emphasize that at the time of signing and ratifying the convention, such circumstances were unforeseen.

Thus, Ukraine finds itself in an unequal and unjust situation that restricts its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter."

 The MFA also pointed out that Russia's aggression has prompted Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, and Finland to reconsider their stance on the Ottawa Convention.

"Given the absolute priority of defending our state from relentless Russian aggression, Ukraine has made the difficult but necessary political decision to cease compliance with the irrelevant obligations under the Ottawa Convention.

We believe this step is essential in light of the threats, as it concerns the survival and preservation of Ukraine as a sovereign, independent, and free state.

In conditions where Russia is committing genocide with the aim of eliminating Ukraine as a state and Ukrainians as a nation, Ukraine is compelled to prioritize the safety of its citizens and the defense of its state, which also pertains to our participation in international legal documents and mechanisms."

As a reminder, on June 29, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Ukraine's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention.