The three Baltic states and Poland are recommending withdrawing from an international agreement banning landmines as the frontline Nato countries respond to the rising threat of Russian aggression.
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland said on Tuesday that they needed “the flexibility and freedom of choice” to defend the western defence alliance’s “vulnerable eastern flank” with Russia and Belarus.
“Military threats to Nato member states bordering Russia and Belarus have significantly increased,” the countries said in a joint statement. “In light of this unstable security environment marked by Russia’s aggression and its ongoing threat to the Euro-Atlantic community, it is essential to evaluate all measures to strengthen our deterrence and defence capabilities.”