Zelensky: In defense, anti-personnel mines often have no alternative

This was emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelensky in an address to the nation on Sunday, Ukrinform reports.

The Head of State noted that today, June 29, he signed a decree putting into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine regarding the Ottawa Convention (on banning anti-personnel mines).

"Russia has never been a party to this convention and uses anti-personnel mines with extreme cynicism. And not just now, in its war against Ukraine – this has long been a trademark of Russian killers: to destroy life by every means available. They use chemical and ballistic weapons, including medium-range missiles, and various types of mines, including anti-personnel ones. Unfortunately, that is the reality," Zelensky emphasized.

The President added: "Of course, we see how our neighbors in Europe are reacting to this threat. We are also aware of the complexities involved in withdrawing from such a convention, especially during wartime. But we are taking this political step and sending a signal by it to all our partners – this is where attention must be focused. This concerns all countries along Russia’s borders."

The Head of State emphasized that "it is anti-personnel mines that very often have no alternative as a tool for defense."

As Ukrinform reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday, June 29, signed Decree 441/2025, putting into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on Ukraine's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention.