Estonia to Lift Ban on Transporting Anti-Personnel Mines

Estonia announced on September 14 that it will lift its ban on the transport of anti-personnel mines. The move is significant in the context of the war in Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces have sought such defensive munitions to fortify positions against Russian infantry assaults.

Anti-personnel mines are banned under the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits their use, stockpiling, production, and transfer. However, some countries are considering exemptions or interpretations of the treaty to assist Ukraine's defense needs.

Estonia has been one of the most steadfast supporters of Ukraine among EU and NATO members, and regularly advocates for more aggressive support policies toward Kyiv.