Finland to acquire anti‑personnel mines for Russia border defence

Finland announced plans to procure anti‑personnel mines for deployment along its 1,340‑kilometre border with Russia. The move follows Finland’s recent withdrawal, together with Poland and the Baltic states, from the Ottawa Convention that bans such weapons. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said the mines are intended only for use in a severe escalation and will not be placed arbitrarily, adding, “We protect the border to Russia, not only for Finland but for the whole of Europe.” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul noted the humanitarian importance of the Ottawa Convention while acknowledging a “new threat situation” at the frontier. The procurement is framed as a deterrent measure aimed at enhancing European security in the event of heightened tensions with Russia.