Poland's Bold Move: Anti-Personnel Mines Return After Decades

Poland is making a significant shift in its defense strategy. It plans to start making anti-personnel mines again for the first time since the Cold War. These mines will be used to strengthen its eastern border with Belarus and Russia. The decision comes as many European countries near Russia are rethinking their stance on these weapons. The mines are part of a bigger plan called "East Shield. " This project aims to fortify Poland's borders. The deputy defense minister, Pawel Zalewski, said Poland needs a lot of these mines quickly. He hopes production can start next year, once the country officially leaves the Ottawa Convention, a treaty that bans these weapons. Poland began the process of leaving the Ottawa Convention in August. This move was hinted at before, but now it's official. The country stopped making these mines in the mid-1980s and hasn't exported them since. Belma, a state-owned company, will be in charge of production. They plan to make up to 1. 2 million mines next year, including anti-personnel mines.The mines could also be sent to Ukraine. The defense minister said Poland's needs come first, but Ukraine is a priority. Other NATO countries near Russia, like the Baltic states, have also shown interest in buying these mines. Lithuania and Finland are already planning to start making them next year. Latvia and Estonia are leaving the treaty but haven't announced production plans yet. Poland can officially start making these mines on February 20, 2026, after a six-month withdrawal period. Ukraine is also leaving the treaty to better defend itself against Russia. Both countries have accused each other of using these mines in the war. Other major powers like the United States and China have never signed the treaty.