Finland prepares to exit landmine ban treaty — cites Russian threat
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Photo: open sources
Finland is moving to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the decision comes as a direct response to growing aggression from Russia.
"Russia is behaving increasingly aggressively. We must be ready to defend ourselves by any means", Orpo stated.
Following its NATO accession and amid the war in Ukraine, Finland is considering a return to WWII-era defense strategies. Anti-personnel mines were a key factor in repelling Soviet invasions in 1939, 1941, and 1944.
If even neutral, peace-minded Finland begins laying minefields, it’s a stark warning for the rest of Europe.
The ruling Georgian Dream party has approved a set of controversial laws, including a “foreign agent” act aimed at NGOs and media. Critics say it mimics the U.S. FARA but is weaponized against dissent.
A long-feared megaquake off Japan’s Pacific coast could cause up to $1.81 trillion in damage and kill nearly 300,000 people, according to a new government report.
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