Summary
Finland will exit the 1997 Ottawa landmine treaty and increase defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2029 in response to the growing threat from Russia, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced.
The move aligns Finland with Poland and the Baltic states, which also plan to leave the treaty.
Finland joined NATO in 2023 and shares NATO’s longest border with Russia.
Officials emphasized landmines as a necessary deterrent. The decision, backed by major parties, allows renewed stockpiling and marks a major shift in Finland’s defence posture.
So, when we don’t need anti-personnel landmines, then they are bad, and other nations should not use them. When we do need them, their use becomes acceptable.
Is that about right?
Well, Russia uses them anyway, I guess that’s the reasoning.
Finland has a long border to cover
No.
Thanks?
Apparently. Let future generations deal with them.
Yeah. I realize that landmines have terrible consequences in times of peace. I also realize the Finns don’t want to lose territory to Russia (again). It just seems hypocritical to me to be against something when you have no use for it and then do an about face.
I agree. Landmines are never ok.