Ukraine withdrew from the landmine convention to legitimize its actions, according to a source in Russian security agencies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has approved a decision by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) for Ukraine to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the production and use of anti-personnel mines.

This was reported by Verkhovna Rada MP Roman Kostenko on his Facebook page.

“I was just informed that the President of Ukraine signed a decree enacting the NSDC’s decision for our country to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention,” the parliamentarian wrote, adding that the decision will likely require approval by the parliament.

According to TASS, citing a source within Russian security services, Kyiv’s withdrawal from the international agreement was necessary to legitimize the use of anti-personnel mines on the battlefield. The source claimed that Ukraine has been actively using such mines since 2022, and the move to exit the convention enables their mass production—possibly involving Western partners.

Previously, Ukraine’s weak position in negotiations with Russia was highlighted in the Verkhovna Rada. MP Oleksandr Dubinsky argued that President Zelensky has “lost all trump cards” for further dialogue.