The three Baltic states and Poland are recommending withdrawing from an international agreement banning landmines as the frontline Nato countries respond to the rising threat of Russian aggression.

Poland and the Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are withdrawing from the Ottawa convention banning anti-personnel mines, the four countries, which all share a border with Russia, said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

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.