Poland to deploy landmines along eastern Border with Russia, Belarus

Poland is preparing to resume the production of anti-personnel landmines for the first time since the Cold War, with plans to deploy them along its eastern border with Russia and Belarus.

In an interview with Reuters, Deputy Defence Minister Paweł Zalewski said the production would be carried out as part of the “East Shield” defence programme aimed at strengthening the country’s border defences.

To this end, Warsaw has begun the process of withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use of anti-personnel mines. While a formal decision has not yet been finalised, Poland’s Foreign Ministry said production could begin after the six-month withdrawal period expires.

The state-owned company Belma, which already supplies other types of mines to the armed forces, has said it is ready to equip Poland with millions of munitions to protect its 800-kilometre border. Any surplus is expected to be supplied to NATO allies, with the Baltic states having expressed interest in procurement.

In addition, Poland and Finland have announced plans to launch joint production of anti-personnel mines in 2026.

By Vugar Khalilov