Spokesman Tykhyy Explains Ukraine's Withdrawal from Ottawa Convention Obligations Due to Self-Defense Requirements

In the context of the ongoing war and the threat posed by the Russian Federation, Ukraine has made the critical decision to suspend its obligations under the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines. Georgiy Tykhyy, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, stressed that this decision was a necessary measure to safeguard Ukraine's right to self-defense, as guaranteed by international law.

In a statement on the social media platform X, Tykhyy noted that the decision to halt obligations under the convention, adopted in the summer of 2025, was not made lightly but was prompted by the critical situation Ukraine finds itself in due to Russia's full-scale invasion. He emphasized that the aggression is accompanied by mass atrocities against the Ukrainian people, making it impossible to adhere to outdated international commitments.

Tykhyy highlighted the importance of protecting the Ukrainian people from threats posed by Russian occupiers, considering the genocidal nature of the war. He stated, "The whole world has seen what happened in Bucha, Izium, Mariupol, and other cities that have been or remain under Russian occupation. Russia does not adhere to any rules whatsoever. This is not about reciprocity; it is about protecting our people here and now."

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also pointed out that the security situation in the region has changed dramatically. This has led not only Ukraine but also other countries, such as Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and Finland, to take similar measures regarding their obligations under international treaties.

It is worth noting that Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha previously stated that in the context of war, Ukraine cannot afford to weaken its obligations, which have become "irrelevant" in modern realities. He emphasized that in the face of ongoing aggression, Ukraine must focus on ensuring the safety of its citizens.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree implementing the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine from June 29, which pertains to Ukraine's withdrawal from the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines. This decree, numbered 441/2025, was published on the official website of the president on Sunday and takes effect upon publication.

In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, published on June 29, 2025, it was noted that the decision to withdraw from the convention was made due to the aggression of the Russian Federation, which is not a party to this international treaty. Thus, Ukraine finds itself in a situation that restricts its right to self-defense, which has become the primary reason for taking such measures.