Anti-personnel mines see a resurgence in Europe and globally

The use of anti-personnel mines is increasing globally, posing a significant threat to civilians. According to the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor, more than 5,000 people were killed or injured by mines or munitions remnants in 2025. In South Sudan, children accounted for 90 percent of victims.

Despite the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which has 166 signatories, the international ban is facing challenges. Major powers including the United States, China, Russia, and India have not joined the treaty. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, five NATO countries bordering Russia have withdrawn from the Convention. Ukraine's withdrawal will only take legal effect once the state of war concludes. Ukraine has justified the return to using anti-personnel mines by citing the practices of Russia.

Experts, including Simone Wisotzki from the Leibniz Institute for Peace Research and Conflict Studies, warn that these withdrawals set a dangerous precedent. Such actions could encourage other member states facing extreme conflict circumstances to exit the treaty, further weakening international efforts to eradicate these weapons. Even decades after conflicts in the Balkans, mines continue to cause casualties in countries like Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.