Ukraine's Unjust Situation Due to International Treaties
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pointed out that due to the Ottawa Convention banning the use and production of anti-personnel mines, the country finds itself in a challenging situation.
This was stated by the MFA in a press release.
Officials emphasized that Ukraine ratified this agreement in 2005 and has diligently complied with its provisions ever since.
In contrast, Russia, which is not a signatory to the Ottawa Convention, has initiated military aggression against Ukraine and has been extensively using anti-personnel mines since 2014.
"Since 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion, the widespread use of such mines has given the aggressor an asymmetric advantage.
We stress that at the time of signing and ratifying the Ottawa Convention, such circumstances did not exist and could not have been anticipated.
Thus, Ukraine finds itself in an unequal and unjust situation that restricts its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter."
The MFA also reminded that Russia's aggression has compelled Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, and Finland to reconsider their stance and reach a collective political decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention.
"Therefore, considering the absolute priority of defending our state against severe Russian aggression, Ukraine has made a difficult but necessary political decision to cease fulfilling its irrelevant obligations under the Ottawa Convention.
We are convinced that this step is necessary and commensurate with the level of threats, as it concerns the survival and preservation of Ukraine as a sovereign, independent, and free state.
In circumstances where Russia is committing genocide aimed at the destruction of Ukraine as a state and Ukrainians as a nation, Ukraine is forced to prioritize the safety of its citizens and the defense of its territory. This also pertains to our country's participation in international legal documents and mechanisms."
Recall that on June 29, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree about withdrawing the state from the Ottawa Convention.
