Poland able to mine border with Russia ‘within 48 hours’ as it ups defenses – that’s the core of the matter here. The title might seem a bit misleading at first glance. The real story isn’t that Poland has already blanketed its border with mines. Instead, the focus is on their readiness: the ability to quickly deploy minefields if the situation demands it. This is a significant development, underscoring Poland’s commitment to bolstering its defenses, particularly along its border with a neighbor like Russia, where tensions and potential threats are understandably high.
The capability to rapidly mine a border – within a mere 48 hours – speaks volumes about Poland’s strategic preparedness.… Continue reading
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un acknowledged in a recent speech that troops were deployed to the Kursk region of Russia to clear mines, a rare admission of their involvement in the ongoing conflict. During the 120-day deployment, nine soldiers from the engineering regiment tragically lost their lives. Kim honored the fallen soldiers and met with returning soldiers, some of whom were injured, highlighting the heroism displayed by the troops. This deployment is believed to be part of an agreement where Russia provides financial aid, military technology, and essential supplies in exchange for North Korean support, allowing North Korea to bypass international sanctions.
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Finland’s Defence Forces are set to reintroduce anti-personnel mines as early as January, following the country’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention. This move is part of a broader defence reform plan, which includes developing rapid mine deployment capabilities and exploring the acquisition of advanced mine technologies. Alongside this, Finland is significantly modernizing its army by integrating unmanned systems, upgrading soldier equipment, and extending the service life and capabilities of existing artillery. This response is partly influenced by lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, with an emphasis on acquiring new infantry fighting vehicles to replace older models.
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Finland has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, joining other European allies who are responding to Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine. This decision, which follows a similar move by Poland and Baltic states, highlights growing concerns in Eastern Europe due to the heightened threat of Russian invasion. The Ottawa Convention, banning the use of antipersonnel land mines, is being reconsidered by several nations as leaders feel adversaries are not constrained by the treaty. This withdrawal, along with those of other nations, will be monitored by the international community as the war in Ukraine continues.
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In a recent address, President Zelenskyy announced Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines, due to Russia’s continued use of these weapons. The President emphasized the necessity of these mines for defense purposes, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia. This decision serves as a strategic move to focus on essential defense needs and signals a call to action for all partners along Russia’s borders. Zelenskyy also highlighted the complexities of the withdrawal process during wartime while condemning Russia’s use of these deadly weapons.
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President Zelenskyy has signed a decree for Ukraine to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, a treaty prohibiting the use of anti-personnel landmines. The decree, which also mandates immediate action to implement the decision, originates from the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Notably, this move follows similar actions by Poland, Lithuania, and Finland, and does not mention the Verkhovna Rada’s involvement, although a vote may be required. Ukraine joined the convention in 1999, with ratification occurring in 2005.
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The Finnish Parliament overwhelmingly approved (157-18) the withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, enabling Finland to resume their use. Opposition came primarily from the Left Alliance (10 MPs), Greens (7 MPs), and one member of the ruling coalition. This decision follows similar actions by Baltic states and reflects Finland’s reassessment of its defense capabilities in a changing security environment. The next steps involve presidential confirmation and notification to the UN.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker