Poland and three Baltic states announced their intention to quit a treaty banning antipersonnel mines to give their forces a critical defensive edge amid a "fundamental" deterioration in their security due to Russia.

Our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our territory,’ say defense ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland - Anadolu Ajansı

Four European NATO members announced on Tuesday they will withdraw from the Mine Ban Treaty, marking the first time any country has left the agreement outlawing anti-personnel landmines since it was inked in Ottawa nearly three decades ago and prompting concerns about the treaty’s future.