• Poland plans to deploy up to one million anti-personnel mines along its eastern border as part of the “East Shield” defense initiative.
• Poland and Baltic allies withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, citing escalating threats from Russia and Belarus.
• The country will produce the mines domestically, with production potentially reaching one million units within nine months.
• Polish officials demand Europe’s inclusion in U.S.-Russia diplomatic talks, emphasizing Ukraine’s direct impact on European security.
• Poland is modernizing its military, including tank acquisitions and drone production, while critics warn of humanitarian and financial risks.

Poland is preparing to deploy up to one million anti-personnel mines along its eastern border as part of its newly announced “East Shield” defense initiative.

The decision, announced by Deputy Defense Minister Pawe? Bejda, comes as Poland and its Baltic allies—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, a treaty banning the use, production, and transfer of such mines. This strategic shift underscores the region’s growing concerns over Russian aggression and its commitment to prioritizing sovereignty and defense over international agreements.

A strategic withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention

The Ottawa Convention, ratified by over 160 nations, has long been a cornerstone of global efforts to eliminate anti-personnel mines. However, Poland and its Baltic neighbors argue that the treaty no longer serves their security interests in the face of escalating threats from Russia and Belarus. In a joint statement, the defense ministries of the four NATO member states emphasized the need for “flexibility and freedom of choice” to defend the Alliance’s vulnerable eastern flank.

“We have no choice. The situation at the border is very serious. Mines will be one of the elements of the East Shield,” Bejda stated in an interview with RMF FM. He revealed that Poland plans to produce the mines domestically through the state-owned PGZ Group, with production potentially reaching up to one million units. The withdrawal process from the Ottawa Treaty is expected to take up to nine months, after which Poland will begin stockpiling the mines.

Europe demands a seat at the diplomatic table

Amid these defensive preparations, Polish officials are also pushing back against unilateral diplomatic discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bejda stressed that Europe must be included in any negotiations concerning Ukraine, given the continent’s direct security interests.

“We are working together in Europe. I think that Europe has woken up and realized that Ukraine is on our continent. European leaders strive to be equal partners and to sit at the negotiating table. It cannot be that only President Trump talks to Putin—without the presence of Europe,” Bejda said.

This call for inclusion reflects broader concerns among European nations about being sidelined in critical security discussions, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues to destabilize the region.

Modernizing Poland’s military capabilities

In addition to the mine deployment, Poland is aggressively modernizing its military hardware. The country has already contracted 180 K2 tanks and is negotiating for an additional 180, with plans to integrate advanced technology and produce components domestically. Bejda also highlighted efforts to “dronize” the Polish Army, with specialized training programs and 3D printing technology being explored to accelerate drone production.

While these measures signal Poland’s commitment to bolstering its defenses, critics warn that reintroducing anti-personnel mines could have long-term humanitarian and financial consequences. Charles Bechara of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines cautioned that such a move could divert resources from more modern and effective defense measures.

A clear message to adversaries

Poland’s decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention and deploy anti-personnel mines sends a clear message that the nation is prepared to take every necessary measure to defend its territory and sovereignty. As Deputy Defense Minister Bejda put it, “Our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our territory and freedom.”

This bold stance reflects a broader trend among Eastern European nations to prioritize security over international agreements in the face of growing threats. While the move has sparked debate, it underscores the region’s determination to safeguard its borders and assert its role in shaping Europe’s security landscape.

 

Sources for this article include:

RMX.news

Reuters.com

BBC.com