Finance
Poland can mine border within 48 hours after Ottawa Convention exit, PM says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 19, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Summary
Poland says it can mine its eastern border within 48 hours once its Ottawa Convention exit takes effect on February 20, 2026. The move is part of the East Shield plan amid regional security concerns.
Poland ready to mine border in 48 hours after Ottawa treaty exit
Poland’s Ottawa Withdrawal and Border-Mining Readiness
WARSAW, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Poland's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention means it will be able to lay anti-personnel mines along its eastern border in the space of 48 hours if a threat emerges, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday, shortly before the withdrawal becomes effective.
Regional Shifts by Russia’s Neighbours
As most of Russia's European neighbours except Norway move to leave the treaty that bans the production and use of anti-personnel mines, Poland plans to deploy them as part of its "East Shield" project to secure its borders with Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.
Tusk: Finalising the Mine Project
"We are in the process of finalising this mine project, which is crucial for our security, for the security of our territory and border," Tusk told a press conference.
Resuming Mine Production
In December, Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Zalewski told Reuters that Warsaw would resume production of anti‑personnel mines for the first time since the Cold War to deploy them on its eastern border and potentially export them to Ukraine.
Withdrawal Timeline and Effective Date
Poland began the process of withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention in August and will officially exit the treaty after a six‑month withdrawal period that ends on February 20, 2026.
(Reporting by Barbara Erling, Pawel Florkiewicz, Alan CharlishEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
Key Takeaways
- •Poland’s six‑month withdrawal period from the Ottawa Convention ends on February 20, 2026, enabling domestic production and potential use of anti‑personnel mines. ([commondreams.org](https://www.commondreams.org/news/landmines-poland?utm_source=openai))
- •Officials say minefields could be laid within 48 hours if a threat emerges, leveraging Baobab‑K minelayers. ([polskieradio.pl](https://www.polskieradio.pl/395/7784/Artykul/3633187%2Cpoland-to-withdraw-from-landmine-ban-citing-border-security-concerns?utm_source=openai))
- •Deputy Defence Minister Paweł Zalewski told Reuters Poland will resume anti‑personnel mine production and could prioritize supplies for Ukraine. ([polskieradio.pl](https://www.polskieradio.pl/395/7784/Artykul/3622930%2Cpoland-to-resume-antipersonnel-mine-production-citing-border-security-needs%C2%AD%C2%AD%C2%AD%C2%AD%C2%AD%C2%AD%C2%AD%E2%80%94reuters?utm_source=openai))
- •The plan supports Poland’s East/Eastern Shield fortifications along borders with Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad enclave. ([newsukraine.rbc.ua](https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/poland-to-resume-anti-personnel-mine-production-1765996594.html?utm_source=openai))
- •Baltic allies have also moved to leave the treaty, highlighting a coordinated regional shift in deterrence policy. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/e3b6c3795df6bbfbd207a9b6af337c81?utm_source=openai))
Frequently Asked Questions about Poland can mine border within 48 hours after Ottawa Convention exit, PM says
1What is the main topic?
Poland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention and its plan to rapidly deploy anti‑personnel mines—within about 48 hours if needed—as part of broader border defenses.
2When does Poland’s exit take effect?
The six‑month withdrawal period concludes on February 20, 2026, after which Poland can legally produce, stockpile, and deploy anti‑personnel mines.
3Why is Poland leaving the treaty?
Warsaw cites heightened threats from Russia and Belarus and seeks greater flexibility to deter incursions under its East Shield border‑defense program.
4Will mines be deployed immediately?
No. Officials say deployment would occur only if a credible threat emerges, though the military could mine selected areas quickly using Baobab‑K systems.
5How does this affect the region?
Poland’s move aligns with Baltic allies considering or pursuing withdrawal, signaling a coordinated shift in NATO’s eastern‑flank deterrence posture.
