S/PV.10002 Security Council

I would like to warmly welcome the distinguished ministers and other high-level representatives present in the Security Council Chamber. Their presence today underscores the importance of the subject matter under discussion. In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Estonia, Germany, Latvia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Sweden and Ukraine to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I also invite Her Excellency Ms. Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. Jenča. Mr. Jenča: In a letter dated 20 September 2025 addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2025/594), the Permanent Representative of Estonia to the United Nations informed that, on 19 September, three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered up to 10 kilometres inside Estonia’s airspace for 12 minutes, in violation of Estonian airspace. The United Nations is not in a position to confirm any of the claims made regarding the incident and does not have any further details of the events. This briefing is therefore solely based on information available from public sources. According to the Estonian Ministry of Defence, the incursion took place between 9.58 a.m. and 10.11 a.m. in the area of Vaindloo, a small island located in the Gulf of Finland, in the Baltic Sea. According to the Ministry, the jets entered Estonian airspace without permission, had their transponders switched off and did not have flight plans, potentially endangering other aircraft. According to Estonian and Italian officials, Italian F-35 fighters attached to NATO’s air defence support mission in the Baltic States were reportedly activated to intercept the Russian jets and warned them off. Sweden, as part of its national response and in coordination with NATO, along with Finland, also reportedly scrambled a rapid reaction aircraft. Estonia stated that this latest incident follows four violations of its airspace by Russia this year, and it has requested consultations with NATO allies, under article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty. A meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council has been reportedly scheduled to take place tomorrow, 23 September. On 20 September, Russia’s Defence Ministry stated that its fighter jets made a scheduled flight from Karelia, on the border with Finland, to an airfield in the Kaliningrad region, in strict accordance with international airspace rules, without deviating from the agreed flight path and without violating Estonian airspace. According to the Russian Federation, the flight path was over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea, more than 3 kilometres from the island of Vaindloo. Over the weekend in Ukraine, Russian drones and missiles continued to hit several regions, killing at least three people, injuring dozens more and damaging civilian infrastructure and residential buildings. Several civilian casualties were reported across the country. According to the Ukrainian authorities, in the central city of Dnipro, a missile with a reported cluster munition hit a residential apartment building, killing at least one person and injuring at least 30 others. Local officials reported that two people were also killed in the Chernihiv region in the north and the Khmelnytskyi region in the west of the country. According to the Ukrainian authorities, over the past week, Russia launched more than 1,500 attack drones,1,280 guided aerial bombs and 50 missiles of various types. This represents a clear escalation of Russia’s attacks against Ukrainian cities and towns. More casualties were also reported over the weekend in the Belgorod region of the Russian Federation, where, according to local officials, two civilians were reportedly killed and four injured as a result of Ukrainian shelling and drone attacks. The continuing trend of intensifying, widespread attacks once again underscores the need to build on recent initiatives for diplomatic efforts towards peace before the situation reaches even more dangerous levels. We reiterate our call for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire to pave the way for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine, in line with the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions. The United Nations remains ready to support all meaningful efforts to this end.

I thank Mr. Jenča for his briefing. I now call on His Excellency Mr. Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark.

First of all, I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his informative briefing. Ten days ago, in this Chamber, Denmark’s representative expressed our condemnation of the violations of Poland’s airspace by Russian military drones (see S/PV.9995), and within four days, another Russian military drone incursion took place, this time into Romanian airspace. Denmark condemns the violation of the territorial integrity of Romania. Today we meet again — yet again — to discuss a reckless and dangerous violation by Russia, with three fighter jets entering Estonia’s airspace last Friday for 12 minutes and penetrating 10 kilometres deep, north of Tallinn, until escorted out of Estonian airspace by NATO jets. Let there be no doubt: I condemn this latest violation of Estonia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by Russia. Our support for Estonia remains steadfast. Our resolve to stand by our allies remains equally firm. Together with European Union These are reckless and dangerous escalations and provocations by the Russian Federation. These are threats to intimidate countries to stop supporting Ukraine and to test our resolve. Russia clearly feels it can act with impunity in Ukraine, the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the whole of Eastern Europe. Denmark and its allies will not be provoked by Russia. On the contrary, it only strengthens our resolve and further intensifies our long-standing support to Ukraine, whatever threats are made. We have seen this playbook before — the invasion of Georgia, the annexation of Crimea, the invasion of the Donbas, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s neighbours, not unreasonably, fear that they could be the next. Denmark stands fully behind Estonia’s territorial integrity. The Russian provocations must end immediately. Therefore, we tell the Russian Federation today: step back. Take another path. We will not allow the unravelling of the European security architecture. We will not allow Russia to project chaos and uncertainty wherever it wants. More broadly, these recent air incursions undermine the fundamental pillars of international law from which we all benefit. When the United Nations was created 80 years ago, the aim was to stop larger States from bullying and terrorizing smaller States, to create an order in which all countries are sovereign, where their territorial integrity is respected. Denmark remains fully committed to these principles.

I now call on His Excellency Mr. Georgios Gerapetritis, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece.

I would like to thank the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea for convening this important emergency meeting. I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his insightful briefing, and I welcome the participation of fellow foreign ministers and deputy foreign ministers and that of the High Representative of the European Union (EU) and Vice President of the European Commission, Ms. Kallas, in this meeting. As this Organization celebrates the eightieth year since its establishment, international order, peace and security are gravely challenged around the globe. It is therefore our urgent and imperative duty to heighten our vigilance and intensify our efforts to meet and contain these challenges, protect international peace and security and avoid escalations. Only in this way will we be fulfilling the core task of the Security Council. Over the course of the past two weeks, the airspace of the NATO and the EU has been violated three times as Russian aerial means entered, contrary to international law, the territory of Poland, Romania and Estonia. The latest incident involving the incursion of three armed Russian fighter jets into Estonian airspace cannot be viewed in isolation. Reckless acts of this kind are not new, but their successive recurrence indicates that they are not mere coincidences. As the saying goes: once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, thrice is a pattern. Greece unequivocally condemns the violation of Estonia’s and, for that matter, any Member State’s airspace. We stand in full solidarity with Estonia — a friendly country and an EUand NATO ally. Any violation of State borders — be it air, sea or land borders — constitutes a clear and blatant breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations and is unacceptable, particularly coming from a permanent member of the Security Council. We call on Russia to cease these unlawful acts immediately and to respect its obligations under international law. It is evident that this new escalation is a direct result of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Greece welcomed President Trump’s initiative of meeting President Putin in Alaska Lastly, we are now witnessing the destabilizing effects of the war and its wider implications for the security of Eastern Europe and of the wider region. This is why, once again, we call on Russia to stop its armed aggression. A comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the principles of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of States, must remain our foremost goal. It must be a peace safeguarded by credible and robust security guarantees, one that will effectively deter any recurrence of armed aggression, that precludes further escalation and that is in line with international law, the Charter of the United Nations, General Assembly resolutions and the Helsinki Final Act.

I now call on Her Excellency Ms. Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

I thank the Assistant Secretary-General for that briefing. For three and a half years, the world has witnessed a permanent member of the Council engaged in the full-scale and unprovoked invasion of another State, a violation of its most basic obligations under the Charter of the United Nations. As President Trump and President Zelenskyy have worked for peace, the Russian Federation has starkly escalated its attacks, attacks on the Council of Ministers and the British Council building, and repeated attacks on residential flats and homes as children sleep in their beds. We meet today now, at the request of Estonian allies, because Russia’s recklessness is escalating. In the past two weeks alone, there have been more than 20 Russian drones in Polish airspace, a drone through Romanian territory and now three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets, with their transponders turned off, violating Estonian airspace for 12 minutes. At best, these latest acts are dangerous and reckless. At worst, they are a deliberate attempt to undermine the territorial integrity of sovereign nations and European security. They risk miscalculation. They open the door to direct armed confrontation between NATO and Russia. NATO’s combined strength is unparalleled, and its determination to defend peace and security in Europe is unshakeable. Of this, Russia must be in no doubt. And I commend the resolute and firm response of Estonia, Poland and Romania and of all NATO allies. I welcome the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry on 12 September to ensure the safety and security of the Alliance’s eastern border, and I am proud that United Kingdom aircraft are taking part. To those nations, and to all NATO allies, I say that the United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with them at this time, and always. To President Putin, I say that his reckless actions risk a direct armed confrontation between NATO and Russia. Our alliance is defensive, but be under no illusion. We stand ready to take all steps necessary to defend NATO’s skies and NATO’s territory. We are vigilant. We are resolute. And if we need to confront planes that are operating in NATO airspace without permission, then we will do so. The United Kingdom stands by our friends. We are unwavering in our support for the principles of the United Nations Charter, for our NATO allies and for Ukraine. And we are committed to increasing the pressure on Russia until it ends its illegal war against Ukraine, ceases its reckless acts and respects the sovereignty of other States. Russia’s imperialist warmongering is a threat to international peace and security. It is a threat to the values and principles that underpin this Organization,

I want to thank the Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Miroslav Jenča, for his important contribution. We are meeting here for the second time in just 10 days owing to the reckless behaviour of the Russian Federation, which poses a threat to international security. Ten days ago, we discussed a drone incursion into Polish airspace (see S/PV.9995), an incident involving more than 20 drones, marking a significant escalation in scale and intensity. Today, we are addressing a new provocation: the incursion of Russian fighter jets into Estonian airspace, an incident that was not merely momentary, but deliberate and dangerous. Slovenia supported the call for this meeting, and we stand firmly and unreservedly with Estonia, and its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Let me say this in no uncertain terms: we condemn this escalation. At a time when tensions are already dangerously high, this is not the moment for military provocation. It is high time for dialogue and for diplomacy. When we previously discussed the drone incursion into Poland, our representative spoke of the growing unease with which we are witnessing such behaviour across Europe. Let us be honest with ourselves, around this very table of the Security Council: these actions do not occur in a vacuum. They are unfolding well into the fourth year of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine. These deliberate provocations are symptomatic of the time we live in, a time in which violations of international law are tolerated to an extent that we have not seen in modern history. Slovenia says a clear and principled no to such behaviour, wherever it may occur and whoever may be the perpetrator. If we can clearly say no to Israeli atrocities committed in Gaza and to terrorist violence, we must not shy away from condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine. Let us also be clear on another matter: Europe wants peace. Europe wants a ceasefire, and we want to see the beginning of serious and meaningful peace negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation as soon as possible. Despite the best efforts by President Trump in Alaska, we still await a meaningful gesture from Russia — a sincere willingness to come to the negotiating table. And while we wait, Russia continues its escalatory behaviour, intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities and endangering and intimidating civilians both in Ukraine and in its neighbouring countries. We hope the time is near when the Council will finally begin a principled and honest discussion about the war in Ukraine and decide to take action. Until then — and allow me to repeat this — Slovenia will stand firmly with Estonia, with Ukraine and with any other member of this Organization that needs to be protected from unlawful, Charter-violating actions by those who believe that might makes right.

At the outset, I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing. I would like to welcome the ministers in attendance at this emergency meeting, in particular the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia and the High Representative of the European Union, Ms. Kaja Kallas. As we know, on the morning of 19 September, Russia violated Estonian airspace with three fighter jets, which remained there for nearly 12 minutes. These details lead us to believe that it was an intentional violation. This is the third time in 10 days that Russia has violated the airspace of the European Union and NATO. This latest incursion leaves no room for doubt: Russia is choosing escalation and provocation. France condemns in the strongest terms this dangerous and irresponsible incursion, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. France stands firmly alongside Estonia, to whom we express our friendship and our full solidarity. France contributes directly to Estonia’s security. It will participate in strengthening our security posture on Europe’s eastern flank, alongside our European Union and NATO allies. We must not forget that, at the same time, Russia is continuing its war of aggression against Ukraine. A few hours after this incursion, Russia once again carried out massive strikes against Ukraine, using 40 missiles and nearly 550 drones. Russia must realize that these violations of NATO airspace in no way undermine our intention to implement, robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. Six months ago, Ukraine courageously agreed on the principle of an unconditional ceasefire. It has demonstrated its willingness to negotiate. For four months now, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his readiness for direct negotiations with President Vladimir Putin. While all world leaders are gathering in New York to celebrate the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations, this meeting has not yet taken place. On the contrary, Russia is continuing its aggression. Russia is now stepping up its intimidation of Ukraine’s neighbours. It continues to violate and undermine the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, territorial integrity and State sovereignty. It is up to Russia to seize the offer of a ceasefire and the opening of negotiations, which are being called for by the Secretary-General and the entire international community. It is our responsibility, as members of the Security Council to recognize the evidence and call upon Russia to cease these irresponsible risks and end the large-scale war that it started more than three years ago on the European continent.

I thank Assistant Secretary- General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing. I welcome the high-level representatives of Estonia and other relevant countries to today’s meeting. The airspace incident discussed by the Security Council today and the drone incident discussed recently (see S/PV.9995) are both spillover effects of the Ukraine crisis. They reflect the lack of mutual trust and growing suspicions among relevant parties and illustrate the complex and sensitive nature of the current European security situation. As long as the Ukraine crisis remains unresolved and the war continues, similar incidents are likely to reoccur. There is an urgent imperative to find a fundamental solution. We must therefore work towards a political settlement of Ukraine crisis, as soon as possible, and build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture. Regarding the Ukraine crisis, we have fully elaborated our position on multiple occasions, at previous meetings of the Security Council. Tomorrow the Council will hold a high-level meeting on the Ukraine issue, at which China will again explain its position. I will not go into details today. Regarding the airspace incident, China urges the parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint, clarify facts and dispel doubts through dialogue and communication, avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments, and prevent the situation from expanding or escalating. We always maintain that countries should

At the outset, I would like to thank Assistant Secretary- General Jenča for his briefing on the developments in the Baltic Sea region. I welcome His Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia and the representatives from the region to this meeting. The situation in Eastern Europe remains a significant concern, carrying serious implications for regional stability and international norms. The diverging narratives surrounding the events of 19 September, which are happening against the backdrop of the ongoing war in the region, underscore the urgency of the situation and the critical need for diplomacy and dialogue. Such incidents highlight the fragility and volatility of the region, reminding us of the fundamental principles enshrined in international law and the Charter of the United Nations, including the peaceful resolution of disputes. We firmly maintain that there is no military solution to disagreements over airspace or territorial integrity. Continued escalations only serve to heighten tensions and undermine the process for achieving durable peace in the region. We believe that lasting solutions are found at the negotiating table, not through acts that can be interpreted as hostile. We call upon all parties to exercise maximal restraint and engage in earnest and substantive dialogue. A durable solution will require a genuine commitment to de-escalation, confidence-building measures and a renewed focus for diplomatic efforts. In conclusion, my delegation reaffirms its unwavering support for all efforts aimed at upholding the principles of international law and achieving just and lasting solutions, consistent with the Charter. We firmly believe that the people of the region deserve a future defined by peace, security and stability.

There was a time when, for many of us, Europe was synonymous with the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment, with progressive thought, culture and science. Today, however, that legacy is unfortunately gone, and gone for good. Great philosophers, such as Voltaire, Rousseau and Kant, have been replaced with the likes of von der Leyen, Kallas, Johnson and other small-time and blinkered Russophobes. Through their efforts, a primitive hatred for our country, coupled with the aspiration to portray Russia as the principal threat to pan-European security, is before our very eyes becoming the overarching ideology of European States. A concerted effort is under way to make the younger generation forget the bitter lessons taught to the predecessors of today’s European integrators — figures such as Napoleon and Hitler — who suffered crushing defeat at the hands of our country, for which all of Europe had to pay a lingering and painful price. Now, any event is immediately interpreted through an anti-Russian lens, and the notion that war with Russia is inevitable is being frantically hammered into the minds of the European public. They slap labels on Russia and fashion it into the image of an enemy, with no regard for facts or evidence. When these assertions are proven false, no one even considers apologizing for spreading blatant falsehoods. Today’s discussion offers a perfect illustration of our point, as we can see a crowd of European extras who will, in their usual fashion, let their imagination run wild regarding threats from Russia. This paranoia has reached unprecedented levels. Recently, in this very Chamber, we were compelled to listen to baseless allegations that Russian drones had violated Polish airspace (see S/PV.9995). However, to date, not a single piece of substantiated evidence has been provided to verify their Russian provenance. It is also telling that, a few days later, it came to light that the incident involving the damaged roof of a We treat any accusation against our armed forces with the utmost seriousness. We always start by establishing the facts to understand any incident. To that end, we promptly proposed bilateral consultations with Warsaw to ascertain the situation. However, we have received no meaningful response. This silence proves one thing: neither Warsaw nor Brussels wants the truth. They want only an excuse for the next phase of their Russophobic campaign. The way our European neighbours are incriminating themselves is far too obvious; it is difficult to even pass comment on it. Any person of sound mind and with a basic grasp of logic would find this situation unacceptable. But when people are being indoctrinated from every screen and social media feed to the effect that Russia is their sole enemy, anything becomes believable, and facts and evidence become a mere inconvenience. Today, we are forced to watch the second instalment of this performance entitled “Blame Russia for Everything”. Our neighbours have now imagined that Russia is at fault for an incursion into Estonia’s airspace. As always, there is no evidence, except for the Russophobic hysteria coming from Tallinn, which our Estonian colleague will wax lyrical about later. Meanwhile, the facts prove that on 19 September, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets made a scheduled flight from Karelia to an airfield in the Kaliningrad Oblast. The flight was conducted in strict accordance with the international rules governing the use of airspace. The Russian jets did not veer off the agreed route nor did they cross into Estonian airspace. Their flight path passed over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea, more than 3 kilometres from the island of Vaindloo. This is confirmed by objective monitoring data. If Estonia wanted to, it could have checked this itself. But that is not Tallinn’s objective. It has a different goal. Despite the facts and common sense, it is seeking to stir up hysteria and accuse Russia of provocation. Consequently, NATO representatives immediately rushed to call what happened reckless behaviour, while the head of European diplomacy, who also happens to be Estonian, called for a firm stance in support of the Baltic States. To be frank, we can but sympathize with our European colleagues. For years, they have been striving to create an “anti-Russia” on our borders, which is actually what they turned Ukraine into after 2014. But now this project is falling apart at the seams and discrediting itself. The country has long since become a Zelenskyy concentration camp in which nobody cares about the citizens, who are dying by the thousands every day in a senseless meat grinder for the sake of Western geopolitical interests. Zelenskyy’s regime has turned Ukraine into a symbol of corruption, outright theft and violations of human rights, freedom of speech and religion. Nevertheless, despite all this, European capitals persist in extolling so-called Ukrainian achievements, allocating money and weapons to the Kyiv regime. They are becoming increasingly ashamed of their own puppets, but they have no idea how to extricate themselves from this complex situation. As a result, unimaginative Eurocrats could come up with nothing better than to whip up anti-Russian hysteria, in the hope that European voters would not notice anything. It is a strange strategy, and, without a doubt, it will backfire. What will they accuse my country of next, without bothering to provide any evidence or logical rationale for what we have allegedly done? We can hardly guess where their imagination will take us next, when nobody cares about the facts. “The threat that I worry the most about vis-à-vis Europe is not Russia, it is not China, it is not any other external actor. And what I worry about is the threat from within, the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values — values shared with the United States of America.” Despite the clear-cut diagnosis contained in the aforementioned quote, Europe chose to ignore it. Europe is acting now like an unhinged, paranoid individual that is completely incapable of responding to criticism. Nor is it capable of remembering the lessons of history. After all, for the current cast of European leaders and Eurocrats, history was reset to zero after February 2022. As a result, drawing lessons from the past is something that today’s Europe considers bad manners. This is a very dangerous path. We all know how ruthless history tends to be for those who forget its lessons. Therefore, if our former European partners want to throw tantrums, stir up tensions and continue to make baseless accusations, they can go right ahead. But they must not involve us. We are not going to take part in this theatre of the absurd, and they do not need us there anyway. When they decide to engage in a serious conversation about European security, about the fate of our shared continent and about how to make this continent prosperous and safe for everyone, we will be here for them, and they know how to find us.

We are grateful for the briefing by Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča, which gives us a complete and up-to- date picture of the events in Estonia on Friday 19 September. We would like to welcome the ministers who have honoured us with their presence at this meeting today. Just a week ago, the Council met to consider, as a matter of urgency, the incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace (see S/PV.9995). Today, we again must address similar developments, this time in relation to the incursion by Russian fighter aircraft into Estonian airspace. These incidents, one soon after the other, given the nature of the threat they pose, illustrate a pattern of actions that could undermine regional stability and are a cause of concern for all. Panama rejects any act of intimidation by one State against another. The violation of Estonian airspace cannot be seen as an isolated act, but as an act that would threaten international peace and security, the pillars on which the Council rests. The world is going through particularly turbulent times, with the proliferation of conflicts in all regions having a direct and disproportionate impact on civilian populations and regional stability. The accumulation of such intimidatory incidents does nothing to contribute to peace. On the contrary, they erode the already undermined trust between States and generate a climate of heightened tension in a global landscape that can no longer cope with more violations of international law. The current conflict in Ukraine remains unresolved and threatens to spread. These actions in the region bear witness to that fact. Despite the fruitless and inconclusive efforts so far attempted by the parties, we remain hopeful that only genuine dialogue, determined engagement and diplomacy can bring an end to this conflict. Let us use this space, in which our highest authorities are meeting today, Panama calls for prudence and reiterates, once again, the primacy of the principle of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, in full conformity with the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, to which we committed ourselves 80 years ago. Only through strict compliance with these principles can peace, security and peaceful coexistence among States be guaranteed.

At the outset, I should like to thank Miroslav Jenča for his valuable briefing. I should also like to welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia and all the ministers taking part in this meeting. We meet today following recent reports that Russian military aircraft flew into the airspace of the Republic of Estonia on 19 September. These developments could exacerbate tensions and further escalate the situation in the region, which is still suffering from the repercussions of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On numerous occasions, Algeria has stressed the need to avoid any action or reaction that could inflame tensions. We have also repeatedly stressed the danger of succumbing to the logic of polarization in the context of this conflict. It is imperative to avoid any endeavour that could inflame hostilities or exacerbate their potential repercussions. In that connection, I should like to highlight the following points. First, we believe that it is important to maintain the momentum of recent diplomatic efforts in order to prevent any escalation that could prolong or widen the conflict, thereby undermining any progress towards peace and security in the region. Secondly, it has become necessary to give preference to communication and coordination in addressing these incidents through a transparent and proactive approach in order to avoid any misunderstanding or confusion. That will help to prevent their recurrence. Lastly, we would like once again to reiterate our call for the language of dialogue and negotiation to prevail. We must stick to diplomatic solutions as the only feasible way forward to reach a just and lasting solution to the conflict. In conclusion, Algeria remains convinced that the realization of peace and security in Ukraine — and thereby in the region as a whole — can only be achieved through stepped-up diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a final resolution to this conflict. That should be based on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, taking into account the legitimate security concerns of both sides. My country reiterates its pledge to support any effort that would contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security in the region.

I thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting at the request of Estonia following the unauthorized entry into its airspace of three armed fighter jets reportedly belonging to the Russian Federation. I also thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing and welcome the participation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia and other ministers and high-level officials in this meeting. Guyana has taken careful note of the letter dated 20 September 2025 from the Permanent Representative of Estonia (S/2025/594), in which he asserts that this was the fifth violation of Estonia’s airspace by the Russian Federation, marking a dangerous escalation and the most serious violation thus far. We have also taken note of the public statement issued by the Russian authorities denying that the three jets violated Estonia’s airspace. Today as we confront another allegation of incursion by the Russian Federation, I would like to stress the following two points. First, as we did last week, Guyana calls for restraint and de-escalation and for the facts surrounding this recent incident to be thoroughly clarified. Given that there have been similar incidents in the recent past, it is reasonable to assume that they will continue to occur unless appropriately addressed. In this respect, we underscore the need for the Security Council to have access to detailed and verifiable information regarding the incidents and encourage the relevant parties to cooperate with the United Nations towards that end. Secondly, Guyana recalls the legal obligation of all Member States to comply strictly with international law, including the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and resolution 2788 (2025). Council members have a collective responsibility to find ways and means of preventing disputes from escalating — including through diplomatic efforts — and must apply the tools provided in the Charter and the relevant conventions for the peaceful settlement of any dispute between States. On the broader question of the ongoing armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we reiterate our demand for an immediate and peaceful end to the war and for the full implementation of resolution 2774 (2025). Any expansion of this conflict will have dire consequences for innocent civilians in the region and for the world at large. This must be avoided at all costs. In conclusion, I once again urge the Russian Federation to cooperate with the affected States as well as with the United Nations in providing the necessary information and finding a peaceful path forward.

I also thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing. We welcome the participation of the representatives of Estonia and Ukraine and other participants under rule 37. The letter dated 20 September from the Permanent Representative of Estonia (S/2025/594) reporting a serious violation of his country’s airspace is of grave concern. This report, viewed together with the earlier letter from the Permanent Representative of Poland on the Russian Federation’s drones entering its airspace (S/2025/572), similarly reflects an alarming pattern that increases the risk of a regional conflagration with global consequences. Regrettably, the three rounds of talks in Istanbul, which led to agreements on exchanges of prisoners of war and civilian detainees as well as the return of Ukrainian children, and which had raised hopes for a political solution, have not been matched with advancement in the ceasefire and peace agreement negotiations. On the contrary, military operations in Ukraine have intensified and have now breached the airspaces of Estonia, Poland and Romania. The responses from the three countries and NATO underscore the gravity of the threat. They signal that prolonging the conflict risks spillover, regional escalation and global insecurity. Given the adverse implications of a protracted conflict in Europe, the Security Council and the wider international community must intensify efforts towards peace. Sierra Leone reiterates that the Charter of the United Nations enshrines the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Article 2, paragraph 3, obliges Member States to resolve disputes by peaceful means, while refraining from the threat of use of force. Disregard for these principles and international law, the repeated resort to force and the inability to secure ceasefires are deeply troubling. Aware of the consequences of this conflict, which could plunge the region into chaos, we called for measured responses by NATO and individual States by making use of Article 4 consultations to de-escalate and renew political dialogue. We commend the ongoing efforts by the United States, European leaders, other mediators and the Council to seek a peaceful resolution and sustain political engagement at the highest levels. We again call on the parties to engage in genuine negotiations towards a political settlement that upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, while addressing the legitimate security concerns of all parties.

I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing. We also welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia, other Ministers and the High Representative of the European Union to this meeting. Prolonged and intense conflicts, no matter how localized, create a vortex of instability, with spillover effects that invariably affect regional and global stability. What we are witnessing around us today is a practical manifestation of this fundamental truth about conflicts. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, has generated numerous challenges both for regional and international peace and stability. Pakistan, alongside its fellow Council members, has repeatedly drawn attention to the negative consequences of this conflict and the need to bring it to an end. We take note of Estonia’s letter of 20 September addressed to the Council, informing it about violations of its airspace (S/2025/594). Pakistan is an ardent proponent and strong adherent of the Charter of the United Nations and its principles. The sovereignty and the territorial integrity of all Member States are cornerstone principles of the Charter of the United Nations, are sacrosanct and must be respected universally. Pakistan remains deeply perturbed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, especially its humanitarian consequences, which have adversely affected the lives of millions of people in the region. A cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomacy remain the only path for achieving sustainable peace. In line with its clear and consistent position, Pakistan has always called upon the parties to demonstrate restraint, avoid escalation and scrupulously adhere to international humanitarian law. We firmly believe that only a meaningful dialogue that addresses the security concerns of all sides, is anchored in the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law and respects the relevant multilateral agreements can help to secure peace — a peace that is both just and lasting. Pakistan stands ready to support all regional and international efforts that can pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the current conflict. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the new Permanent Representative of the United States to the Council.

I thank you, Mr. President, and it is very good to be with you and this body for the first time. I thank Assistant Secretary- General Jenča for his briefing. Of course, I, too, also welcome the participation of Estonia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs in this briefing. Just nine days ago, the Council met to discuss Russia’s violation of Poland’s airspace with a large number of military drones (see S/PV.9995). In that meeting, the United States urged Russia to end the war in Ukraine and stop actions that could risk it escalating into a broader conflict. Instead, on 19 September, Russia again violated the airspace of a NATO member, when three armed military aircraft flew 10 nautical miles into Estonian airspace, coming within 15 miles of the Estonian Parliament. As we said nine days ago, the United States stands by our NATO allies in the face of these airspace violations, and I want to take this first opportunity to repeat and to emphasize that the United States and its allies will defend every inch of NATO territory. Russia must urgently stop such dangerous behaviour. At a time when President Trump and the United States have been focused and spent an enormous amount of time and effort on ending this horrific war between Russia and Ukraine, we expect Russia to seek ways to de-escalate, not risk expansion. This event, following on the heels of the Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace, creates the impression that Russia either wants to escalate and pull more countries into this conflict with Ukraine or does not have full control of those who operate its fighter planes and drones. Either scenario is very disconcerting given that Russia is obviously a nuclear Power with global reach. So I once again urge Russia, as a permanent member of the Council, to uphold international peace and security, to respect the sovereignty of its neighbours and to cease violating their airspace. And I call on Russia to negotiate directly with Ukraine to end that war. I am very much honoured and look forward to working with each member of the Council.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the Republic of Korea. To begin, my gratitude goes to Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for the statement. The Republic of Korea is seriously concerned about the most recent in a series of deeply alarming incidents, this time affecting the territorial integrity of Estonia. On Friday, we were dismayed by reports of fighter jets from the Russian Federation violating Estonian airspace and remaining there, over the Gulf of Finland, for a total of 12 minutes. We note that this incident led to some countries responding by scrambling their jets in yet another troubling event over European territory. This, once again, appears to represent a significant breach of the sovereignty of a United Nations Member State, which could further threaten European and international security and simultaneously erode diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Friday’s incidents in Estonian skies represent just the latest occurrence in a series of concerning actions, following the recently reported Russian drone breaches in Poland and Romania. At the Council’s 12 September meeting in response to the violation of Poland’s territorial integrity (see S/PV.9995), my delegation warned that this incident was a resounding wake-up call and could mark a dangerous turning point — one in which We remind the Security Council once again of Russia’s and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s ongoing unlawful military cooperation, which violates multiple Security Council resolutions and directly threatens peace and security in Europe and Asia. It must stop immediately. In conclusion, alongside the international community, the Republic of Korea continues to support diplomatic efforts to bring about lasting peace in the region. I resume my functions as President of the Council. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Margus Tsahkna, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia.

Please allow me to thank the presidency for convening this Security Council meeting at such short notice. I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his valuable briefing. What brings us here today is alarming. On 19 September, three armed Russian MiG 31 fighter jets deliberately entered Estonian airspace in violation of our territorial integrity. They remained in our skies for 12 minutes, penetrating up to 10 kilometres deep and covering nearly 100 kilometres inside our sovereign territory. These are the hard facts based on solid evidence, whatever Russia is claiming. Let me show the screenshot from our most modern radar screen. As can be seen here, the red line is a violation of Estonian territory and sovereignty. That can be seen very clearly. This is a fact. This is not something else. Here is the radar screenshot of where Russian fighter jets entered, where they were and how they went out. They were already warned before. There was very clear communication on all different channels, as well as visibly, and there was no response. The Russian fighter jets just continued the violation of Estonian and NATO airspace for 12 minutes and 100 kilometres. This is a lot, and this is the hard evidence of that. There are also pictures of these fighter jets, and it is very clear that these fighter jets also carried missiles. All of them carried missiles, and they were combat-ready planes. The Russian representatives can see that these are the photos that really were taken during this significant violation of NATO and Estonian airspace. What I want to say is that the violation is crystal clear, and Russia is lying again, as it has lied several times before. We remember the occupation of Georgia in 2008; in 2014, Crimea; and in 2022, the aggression against Ukraine started. Please do not lie again. Hard evidence is here. It is a dangerous escalation. It was the fourth violation of Estonia’s airspace by Russia this year alone, but this one was deeper and longer, with three armed aircraft simultaneously, and just minutes’ flight time away from Tallinn, our capital. I want to recall that Member States’ sovereignty and territorial integrity — on land, at sea and in the air — must be respected at all times. This was yet another reckless and flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law by our neighbour. We are here today because this violation of our sovereignty and threat of the use of force concerns not only Estonia but the entire international community. The 19 September incursion was not an isolated act but part of a broader pattern of Russian provocations against its neighbours, while the permanent member of the Security Council continues its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. On 9 September, Russia brazenly violated Poland’s borders by sending 19 drones into Poland’s For the first time in 34 years, since Estonia joined the United Nations, we were obliged to ask the presidency to convene this meeting in the spirit of preventive diplomacy and in order to immediately stop attempts at further escalation by Russia. We use this occasion to call again on the Russian Federation, loud and clear, to cease, without delay, its war of aggression against sovereign Ukraine and to abide by the obligations enshrined in the Charter. We call on Russia to end all provocations and threats against its neighbours’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. The international community must stand firm in demanding an end to these blatant breaches of the Charter in order to prevent further escalation and ensure international peace and security. Estonia is convinced that all responsible members of the international community should always call out such outrageous actions by any Member of the United Nations and even more so by a permanent member of the Security Council, entrusted with the special responsibility to safeguard international peace and security. And yet, words are not enough. As Russia itself has become a real threat to global peace and security, we must collectively exercise maximum pressure on Russia, forcing it towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and forcing it to abandon its criminal, neocolonial and imperial ambitions. Together we can hold Russia accountable for its crime of aggression against Ukraine, for the war crimes and crimes against humanity it has committed since 2014 and for its ongoing violations of the international treaties and agreements it has pledged to uphold. Impunity, appeasement and further concessions would only embolden Putin and would lead to new crimes. We can succeed only by acting decisively together in defence of the Charter and international law. Finally, let me assure the members of the Security Council and the wider audience that Russia’s threats and provocations are not going to weaken our resolve to support Ukraine in its defence against the Russian aggression. Just and lasting peace in Ukraine will strengthen the multilateral system, based on international law, with the United Nations and its Charter at the core and international peace and security across the globe.

I now give the floor to Ms. Kallas. Ms. Kallas: The United Nations was founded on a set of shared values and principles, foremost the pursuit of peace and security. Although these values are being continuously tried and tested, adherence thereto is still what brings us together in this Chamber. There is one country present here in this Chamber that is actively seeking to undermine the values and principles that the nations of the United Nations have committed to upholding. Last week, Russia once again violated international law and the sovereignty of a European country. For 12 minutes, three armed Russian fighter jets blatantly violated Estonian airspace  — the same type of fighter jets that regularly bomb innocent civilians in Kyiv. The recent violation of Estonian airspace is unprecedented in both scale and recklessness. It was a deliberate provocation, which could have ended with devastating results. This comes after Russian violations of Polish and Romanian airspace with drones a week earlier. It cannot be that Russia accidentally violates European airspace three times in two weeks. If it was accidental, if it was a mistake, there has been plenty of time for the Russian Federation to apologize and say: sorry, we made a mistake. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues, and now it is extending provocations against European Union (EU) members. Russia hopes that this might force us to draw our focus away from supporting Ukraine and focus solely on our own security. Well, let me be very clear: European security starts with Ukraine, and any provocation against EU member States will only strengthen our resolve to support Ukraine. I say this openly to the Russian representative in this Chamber: his Government’s actions are reckless, dangerous and go against the very principles of the United Nations. Our response is united and firm. First, we stand in full solidarity with Estonia, Poland and Romania. Secondly, we collectively condemn Russia’s sovereignty violations. Thirdly, the European Union will continue to help to strengthen European defence and deterrence, together with NATO. Fourthly, for every test or violation of our security, our resolve to support Ukraine grows. Russia cannot be allowed to normalize such behaviour. International law is not optional. The sovereignty and security of one Member State is the sovereignty and security of all. I call on the Council to condemn Russia’s violation of Estonia’s airspace.

I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Radosław Sikorski, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

This emergency Security Council meeting has been called because a mere week after Russia sent drones into Poland, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets, with their transponders off, entered Estonian airspace without authorization and lingered for 12 minutes. On the same day, two Russian fighter jets violated the security zone over the Polish drilling platform in our economic zone in the Baltic Sea. If these were accidents, why not immediately acknowledge them and apologize? We have given Russia a pass in the past in such circumstances. But we have not heard any apologies, only lies. Together with the intensification of attacks on Ukraine, they seem to be an eloquent comment on “moving from confrontation to dialogue” promised by Vladimir Putin in Alaska. These breaches of airspace are suspect because they are an escalation of the hybrid war that Russia has waged against the West for years: murders of politicians, journalists, human rights defenders and defectors; cyberattacks against hospitals and financial institutions; arson, including in Poland, the United Kingdom and Lithuania; postal packages containing incendiary devices all over Europe, including in Germany; attacks on Ukrainian embassies; and standard espionage and disinformation. The Council has a responsibility to send a clear message that such provocations will not be tolerated. It must stand in solidarity with Estonia, Romania, Poland and all nations whose sovereignty is threatened by systematic Russian aggression. To the representatives of Russia, I have this to say: we know that they do not care for international law and that they are incapable of living in peace with their neighbours. Their insane nationalism contains a lust for domination that will not cease until they realize that the age of empires is over and that their empire will not be rebuilt. Every drone strike by the heroes of the armed forces of Ukraine, may God bless them, brings this day closer. The Russian three-day special military operation has not even been able conquer Donbas for 10 years now. I have only one request to the Russian Government: if another missile or aircraft enters our airspace without permission, deliberately or by mistake, and gets shot down and the wreckage falls on NATO territory, please do not come here to whine about it. They have been warned.

I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Twelve minutes. Twelve minutes in which three Russian fighter jets brazenly ventured into Estonian airspace. Twelve minutes in which they almost made their way to the Estonian capital, Tallinn. What happened early on Friday morning marks a further dangerous escalation by Russia. The incursion came just over a week after more than 20 Russian drones had entered Polish airspace. Once again, in Estonia, Russia violated, without any provocation, the territorial integrity of one of its neighbours, and thus one of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We condemn this grave violation of international law. This is not the behaviour of a State seeking to preserve global peace and security, but of one recklessly disregarding international norms. Together with our partners, Germany stands firmly in solidarity with Estonia. We stand together against those who seek to use military coercion to undermine our sovereignty, freedom and solidarity. The most recent alarming incidents bring to light two significant insights. First, Russia’s ongoing aggression is not only directed against Ukraine and its people; rather, in its reckless behaviour, Russia poses a serious danger to regional security and to global peace and stability. Secondly, there were many initiatives for negotiations, most recently under the strong leadership of the United States. Ukraine is ready to engage and has repeatedly offered an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Nonetheless, Russia has repeatedly chosen not only to continue, but to intensify its aggression. This must end. Let there be no doubt: reckless provocations will not work. This is not a problem only for Russia’s immediate neighbours. This is a problem for all of us, united here in our commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and its principles. Germany stands for these principles. Russia does not. We will not rest until a sustainable and just peace in Ukraine is achieved, a peace that is rooted in the principles of the United Nations Charter and negotiated with Ukraine sitting at the table. An unconditional ceasefire is urgently needed to stop the bloodshed and to lay the foundation to build trust for sincere negotiations. The people of Ukraine and the people of Estonia and Poland, just like the people of every country, have the right to live in peace and security. It is our shared responsibility as States Members of the United Nations to hold those who endanger peace and security accountable.

I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Andrii Sybiha, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this important meeting. None of these developments were accidental. No, Moscow is doing this on purpose. A country occupying a permanent seat in the Council is destroying the international peace and security that it is supposed to maintain. The logic is simple. Russia escalates in order to force everyone to play by its rules. It wants to impose the law of the jungle upon everyone: might makes right. Our goal is the opposite. We must make Russia play by our rules. We have a set of such rules that are accepted by everyone: they are called the Charter of the United Nations. It is important that existing tools, be it a Security Council meeting or the invocation of article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, are actively used. However, political action should be backed by strong practical steps. Weak or late responses will only encourage further aggression. Europe is not at war with Russia. But Russia is at war with Europe. And the only way to safeguard peace is to respond with strength and unity. The best way to prevent a larger war in Europe is to increase support for Ukraine. If the Council helps us to end this war sooner, in compliance with the United Nations Charter, Russia will not expand it to other nations. A strong response means that a threat should not be escorted — not for 12 minutes or for one minute. It should be neutralized. We reiterate our readiness for air defence integration. This is our European sky over Ukraine and other European nations. This is our common security space, and we must have a common sky shield to protect us all. Ukraine is the only country in the world that is countering regular massive air attacks consisting of more than half a thousand drones and missiles, and we are ready to share our experience and join forces. An integrated European air defence system combining intelligence, early warning and active interception is essential. We have the capabilities, experience and alliances. But action must be decisive, adequate and swift. Other elements of a strong response include devastating sanctions pressure and strong deterrence packages for Ukraine. The Russian war machine can be stopped only through strength, not weakness. “Wait and see” is not a strategy. Let us abandon wishful thinking. Russia poses an existential threat to Europe, and it will not disappear if we close our eyes. Ukraine has learned many bitter lessons in the past. What we are now seeing in Poland and Estonia reminds us of how the Russian aggression against Ukraine started, with hybrid attacks and escalation, unmarked soldiers, violations of State borders and other steps. We can see this pattern repeating itself, but in other forms. The only effective way to counter this escalation is to respond with strength and unity. In conclusion, we reiterate that aggression against any European nation threatens the security of all. Only united action can prevent escalation and preserve peace in Europe. We stand in solidarity with our friendly Estonia and with the Estonian Government and people, and we are ready to contribute to our shared security.

I now give the floor to the Her Excellency Mrs. Oana-Silvia Ţoiu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Romania.

I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to take the floor at this emergency meeting of the Security Council, where we meet again to defend the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. I also want to thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing. Today I speak on behalf of Romania. Of all Ukraine’s peaceful neighbours, ours is the country with the largest border with Ukraine. Ours is also one of the countries whose sovereign airspace has been tested by Russia on various occasions since its war of aggression against Ukraine began. At the same time, the war triggered by Russia may affect security in the Black Sea unless, together with our neighbours and our international partners, we invest in defensive and early warning instruments, such as a common maritime security approach, both within the European Union and among Black Sea participants and NATO. We need to address the insecurity in this key region of Europe, which has global relevance. That insecurity affects maritime security, commercial shipping lanes, both regionally and globally, and access to world markets for vital goods, including grains, key commodities and food supplies. Even a perceived lack of reaction from the international community, especially the Council, could encourage future provocations. But we can also do the opposite and discourage them. We need to firmly reject, once and for all, this unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. We all want peace, but that also means that we need strength, and strength is achieved together. Within the international community, most of the world’s nations are in agreement on the need to protect the principles of the United Nations Charter. We join previous speakers in calling on Russia to stop all provocations and threats against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other States. Russia should not be emboldened to continue such behaviour. In this context, my Government welcomes the efforts undertaken by the United States, the European Union and world leaders to put an end to Russia’s war of aggression and especially respects the efforts of Ukraine, with which we stand together for peace. Action is of the essence — now.

I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. David Van Weel, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Benelux countries: Belgium, Luxembourg and my own country, the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Benelux countries welcome that the Security Council is urgently addressing these unprovoked violations of Estonian airspace. We condemn these violations in the strongest possible terms. It is yet another clear and unacceptable violation by Russia of the territorial integrity of a sovereign nation. This is not an isolated incident. It cannot be ignored. It was less than two weeks ago that Council members discussed the violation of Polish airspace (see S/PV.9995). We are, unfortunately, seeing a wider pattern of Russia’s provocations against its neighbours, while Russia continues its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. This incident demonstrates that if Russia’s aggression remains unchecked, it is bound to repeat itself. We call on the Council and all Member States to make clear that this reckless behaviour is not only unacceptable but also presents clear risks to peace and security. It is imperative that we all protect the Charter of the United Nations and international The path to peace is clear. The Russian Federation must end its war of aggression in Ukraine and choose the path of meaningful negotiations for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. All the members of the Council and all Member States have a responsibility to play their role in safeguarding global stability. That means holding Russia back from further destabilizing international peace and security, in the interest of us all.

I now give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the five Nordic States: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country, Sweden. The Nordics condemn Russia’s serious violation of Estonian airspace and thus of its territorial integrity on 19 September. The Nordics stand in full solidarity with Estonia. Like our Baltic friends, the Nordic region shares a long border with Russia. We are deeply concerned about Russia’s lack of respect for the territorial integrity of its neighbours. By violating Estonian airspace, Russia has again shown its reckless and lawless behaviour. Not even two weeks ago, the Security Council convened in another emergency meeting following Russia’s violation of Poland’s airspace (see S/PV.9995). Since then, Russia has also violated Romania’s airspace. We urge Russia to immediately stop and to bear its responsibility as a permanent member of the Council. Russia’s recent airspace violations and its broader campaign of malicious activities against other countries illustrate the seriousness of Russia’s threat to international security. It only strengthens our resolve in facing this threat by upholding our sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as further intensifying our long-standing support to Ukraine. Over the past weeks, Russia has increased its attacks against Ukraine. Last week alone, Russia launched more than 1,500 strike drones, 1,280 guided aerial bombs and 50 missiles against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian reports. These are not the actions of a country that seeks peace. The Nordic countries support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the Charter of the United Nations and international law. That peace must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We must remind ourselves that Russia is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, in blatant violation of international law. Russia could end its war tomorrow. Until it does, the Nordics stand undeterred in the face of Russia’s illegal actions.

I now give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Baiba Braže, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia.

I deliver this statement on behalf of two Baltic States: Lithuania and my own country, Latvia. I thank the presidency of the Security Council for convening this meeting, and I thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing. Latvia and Lithuania stand in full solidarity with our neighbour and ally, Estonia. On 12 September, the Council strongly condemned the violation of Polish airspace by a massive Russian drone incursion (see S/PV.9995). We expressed our full solidarity with Poland at that meeting, and we warned of the risk of further provocations by Europe has witnessed a growing number of Russia’s non-conventional attacks, ranging from GPS jamming, sabotage and attempts to place explosives on DHL planes, to drone incursions. Russia’s war in Ukraine and Russia’s flagrant violation of Estonia’s airspace once again demonstrate Russia’s complete disregard for the authority of the Council and for the demands expressed by the international community in numerous General Assembly resolutions. Let me say that we are not facing a Ukraine crisis; we are facing a Russia crisis. As we speak at this emergency meeting, Russia continues to target and destroy Ukrainian cities and critical civilian infrastructure and kill innocent civilians, medical personnel, children and women — all in pursuit of a land grab. Contrary to the efforts of the President of the United States and of European and Ukrainian partners, Russia does not seek peace. Russia’s imperial and colonial ambitions brutally violate the Charter of the United Nations. We must remember Georgia in 2008, Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale aggression against Ukraine since 2022. On this day in 1939, Soviet and Nazi forces held a joint military parade to celebrate invading and partitioning Poland. We will never accept Russia’s attempts to attack, dominate, intimidate or establish a sphere of influence over its neighbours. Empires are dead. We, the free and democratic countries, will continue to invest in our deterrence, defence and resilience. We are working closely with our allies to deploy additional capabilities to ensure that future Russian provocations are not tolerated. We ask the Council to continue to be engaged on upholding international peace and security — we are committed to it. Yet, ironically, again, it is the aggressive, revanchist behaviour of Russia — a permanent member of the Council — that is gravely undermining global security. Latvia and Lithuania therefore call on the Council and all Member States to condemn Russia’s aggressive actions in the strongest terms.