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Switzerland submits objection to Ukraine's suspension of the Ottawa Convention

Swiss Government

Press release
Published on 17 October 2025

Bern, 17.10.2025 -- Switzerland will object to Ukraine's decision to suspend the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of anti-personnel mines. At its meeting on 15 October, the Federal Council considered that such a suspension would be incompatible with international law.

As a state party to the convention, Switzerland was informed of Ukraine's decision on 21 July 2025 by the United Nations, the depositary of the Ottawa Convention. Although the Ottawa Convention allows states to withdraw from the agreement, this only takes effect after the end of any armed conflicts the country is involved in. The convention does not provide for suspensions.

The Federal Council decided to object to Ukraine's decision to suspend the Ottawa Convention. In order to prevent a suspension of the Ottawa Convention by Ukraine, Switzerland will submit a formal objection to the secretary-general of the United Nations on 17 October 2025.

Anti-personnel mines kill and injure soldiers and civilians alike, both during and after armed conflicts. The Ottawa Convention was concluded in 1997 to prevent such suffering, and is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law. Withdrawals or suspensions by states parties engaged in an armed conflict violate international law and undermine work on arms control and disarmament.

The Federal Council condemns Russia's war against Ukraine, and is aware of the challenging security-policy situation Ukraine faces. It nevertheless believes Ukraine should maintain its commitments under the Ottawa Convention. As set out in its Arms Control and Disarmament Strategy 2022-25, Switzerland is committed to mitigating the impact of conventional weapons and implementing the major international agreements in this area.

Humanitarian demining is a priority for Switzerland in Ukraine. In September 2023, the Federal Council approved CHF 100 million in funding for mine clearance in civilian and agricultural areas of Ukraine. The funding is intended to cover the period from 2024 to 2027, with half being provided by the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport and half by the FDFA.