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.

  • AmidFuror
    6•2 days ago

    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.