Overview
- Poland’s withdrawal from the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty took effect on Feb. 20, ending its legal prohibition on using and stockpiling antipersonnel mines.
- Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski said Poland will restart domestic production of both antipersonnel and anti-tank mines with the goal of self-sufficiency.
- Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Poland will soon have the capability to mine its eastern borders within 48 hours as part of the East Shield fortifications.
- State supplier Belma said it is preparing for demand of 5–6 million mines and indicated possible exports to Ukraine and interest from NATO neighbors, while stressing Poland’s needs come first.
- Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move as unjustified and destabilizing, and human rights groups warned that antipersonnel mines pose unacceptable risks to civilians.