In a move that has sparked intense debate worldwide, Lithuania has officially withdrawn from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, citing national security concerns amid rising tensions with Russia. The withdrawal, which took effect on March 6, 2025, makes Lithuania the first country to exit the treaty, raising serious questions about regional security, humanitarian risks, and global disarmament efforts.
In This Article:
Background of the Withdrawal
The Lithuanian parliament voted in July 2024 to withdraw from the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), a treaty that prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of cluster bombs due to their indiscriminate effects and long-lasting danger to civilians. Under the treaty’s provisions, Lithuania was required to submit a formal withdrawal notice, which triggered a six-month waiting period before the decision became final.
Now that the withdrawal is official, Lithuania is no longer bound by the treaty’s restrictions and is free to acquire and potentially deploy cluster munitions as part of its defense strategy. The government argues that this step is necessary to strengthen national security, especially as concerns grow over a potential escalation of Russian aggression in the Baltic region.
Government’s Justification
Lithuanian officials have defended their decision, emphasizing that withdrawing from the treaty allows the country to enhance its military preparedness in response to an evolving security landscape.
Deputy Defence Minister Karolis Aleksa stated that Lithuania “must ensure it has the capabilities to defend itself effectively, using all available means.” He pointed out that Russia has not signed the treaty and continues to use cluster munitions in its military operations, creating an imbalance that puts Lithuania at a disadvantage.
“The use of cluster munitions is a reality in modern warfare,” Aleksa explained. “We must understand how they work, be prepared to counter them, and, if necessary, deploy them for defensive purposes.”
The move also aligns with Lithuania’s broader efforts to strengthen its military capabilities. In recent months, the country has significantly increased defense spending, bolstered its border security, and expanded cooperation with NATO allies in response to the war in Ukraine and Russia’s growing military presence near its borders.
International Reactions
Lithuania’s withdrawal from the Cluster Munitions Convention has drawn mixed reactions from the international community.
Criticism from Humanitarian Organizations
Leading humanitarian organizations and disarmament advocates have condemned the decision, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent and undermine global efforts to eliminate cluster munitions.
- Amnesty International described the move as “a reckless and dangerous step that puts civilians at risk.”
- Human Rights Watch called Lithuania’s withdrawal “deeply alarming,” emphasizing that cluster munitions have a devastating impact on civilian populations due to their high failure rate, which leaves unexploded bomblets scattered across conflict zones.
- Handicap International warned that Lithuania’s decision could weaken international norms against these weapons and encourage other nations to reconsider their commitments.
Support from Military Analysts and Security Experts
On the other hand, some military experts and security analysts argue that Lithuania’s decision is a rational and necessary response to current geopolitical threats.
- Retired NATO General Anders Fogh Rasmussen defended Lithuania’s move, stating that “while cluster munitions are controversial, they remain an effective deterrent against large-scale attacks.”
- Finnish Defense Analyst Jari Paananen noted that “Lithuania is not alone in reassessing its defense policies. Finland, too, is considering reintroducing anti-personnel landmines to strengthen border defenses.”
This divide in opinions highlights the broader debate over the balance between military preparedness and humanitarian considerations.
Potential Withdrawal from the Anti-Personnel Landmine Treaty
In addition to leaving the Cluster Munitions Convention, Lithuania is also considering withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use of anti-personnel landmines.
National security advisors argue that reintroducing landmines along Lithuania’s eastern border could serve as an additional deterrent against potential incursions. However, critics warn that such a move would pose long-term risks to both military personnel and civilians.
A final decision on Lithuania’s status in the Ottawa Treaty is expected within the next few months.
Moving Ahead
Lithuania’s withdrawal from the Cluster Munitions Convention marks a significant shift in its defense policy, reflecting the growing security challenges in Eastern Europe.
While supporters view it as a necessary step to bolster national defense, critics argue that it undermines global efforts to eliminate these controversial weapons.
As tensions continue to rise in the Baltic region, Lithuania’s decision will likely have far-reaching implications for international arms control, military strategy, and regional security. The world will be watching closely to see whether other nations follow Lithuania’s lead or whether global pressure will push Vilnius to reconsider its stance.
By – Nikita
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