Kyiv: The Ukrainian parliament has voted to temporarily suspend the country's participation in the Ottawa Convention, an international treaty that prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines, a parliament member announced on Tuesday. The motion was passed with 299 votes in favor, surpassing the required minimum of 226 votes, as stated by lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak in a post on Telegram.
According to Ghana News Agency, the suspension is driven by 'asymmetric conditions,' considering that Russia is not a party to the convention. The government-run Ukrinform news agency indicated that the suspension would remain in effect until the complete cessation of the conflict. Ukraine, which ratified the convention in 2005, is responding to the current geopolitical situation by reevaluating its commitments under the treaty.
Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree to formally withdraw the country from the Ottawa Convention, signaling a significant shift in Ukraine's defense policy in light of ongoing tensions. The decision underscores the complexities and challenges faced by nations in conflict regions when adhering to international treaties.
