The decision is driven by national security and defense needs
On June 29, 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi signed Decree No. 441/2025 to enact the National Security and Defense Council’s decision on Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines.
The NSDC's decision is based on national interests and the urgent need to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine amid Russia’s full-scale armed aggression.
The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (commonly known as the Ottawa Convention) was adopted on September 18, 1997. Ukraine acceded to it in 1999, committing not to use, produce, or stockpile such mines and to destroy its existing reserves.
However, under current wartime conditions, Ukraine can no longer adhere to restrictions that directly limit its defensive capabilities. The presidential decree entered into force upon publication.
