Finnish President Alexander Stubb has announced the possibility of the country withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel mines. According to Stubb, this step is being discussed in connection with the supposed threat from Russia. Such a decision could be a signal for the start of large-scale mining of border regions.

Finland joined the Ottawa Convention in 2012, which required the destruction of significant stockpiles of anti-personnel mines. However, growing tensions with Russia, exacerbated by the conflict with Ukraine, are forcing Helsinki to rethink its defence policy.

Analysts point out that Finland's withdrawal from the convention would be an unprecedented step, signaling the growing militarization of northeastern Europe. There are suggestions that Finland could mine the border with Russia. Mining the border, which is more than 1300 kilometers long, could not only increase tensions, but also create significant humanitarian risks.

Amid a possible withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, Finland is also strengthening cooperation with NATO, which it joined in 2023. The alliance actively supports strengthening the country's defense capabilities, including the deployment of new bases and an increase in the number of troops in the region.