S/PV.9995 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Belarus, Latvia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Poland and Ukraine to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I also invite His Excellency Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Ms. DiCarlo. Ms. DiCarlo: We noted with deep concern the reports that Russian military drones entered Poland, in violation of Polish airspace. Our briefing today relies entirely on publicly available information. The United Nations is not in a position to verify or confirm claims or reports regarding the incident. On 10 September, Poland informed the President of the Security Council that during the night of 9 and 10 September, 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace; some of them were shot down pre-emptively. This is not the first time that drones have been detected in neighbouring countries during the full-scale war in Ukraine, but it is the first time that multiple drones have flown so deep into a neighbouring country’s airspace. It is also the first time that force was used by Poland and its NATO allies to neutralize the perceived threat. According to Poland’s Ministry of the Interior and Administration, wreckage from some 16 drones has been found across central and eastern Poland. Media reports suggest that at least some of these devices were so-called Gerbera drones used by the Russian Federation in the war in Ukraine. The drones reportedly caused damage in residential areas in the Polish villages of Wyryki and Czosnówka. Drone debris was also reported in the town of Cześniki. Fortunately, Polish authorities reported no casualties. Four major airports, including those in Warsaw and Rzeszow, were temporarily closed and flights diverted. Polish authorities stated that some of the drones entered from Belarus. The Belarusian Ministry of Defence claimed that the Russian drones were deflected by counter-drone measures of Ukrainian forces and veered off course. Belarus stated that it had alerted Poland and Lithuania as drones approached their airspace; this was confirmed by the Polish military. Belarus also reported that its air defences intercepted several drones over its territory. Following the incident, Poland introduced restrictions to air traffic in the eastern part of the country in areas neighbouring Belarus and Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation stated that Russia had no intention to engage any targets on the territory of Poland. The Russian authorities acknowledged carrying out, during the same time period, a “massive strike with long-range land-based, sea-based and air-based high-precision weapons, as well as attack drones, against the Ukrainian defence industry” in western Ukrainian regions. We reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for all concerned to act responsibly and to avoid any action and rhetoric that would further escalate already dangerously high tensions. This alarming incident took place against the backdrop of continued large-scale Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. According to President Zelenskyy, during the- night of 9 to 10 September, Russia launched 415 drones and over 40 cruise and ballistic missiles against 15 regions of Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties, including at least one death. On 9 September, in the front-line village of Yarova in Donetsk region, a guided bomb reportedly struck a group of mostly elderly civilians waiting for pension payments, killing at least 24 and injuring 18. On 7 September, Russian attacks across Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa, Sumy and Chernihiv killed and injured civilians and damaged civilian infrastructure. Among those killed was a woman with her newborn child in Kyiv. In central Kyiv, a government building housing the offices of Ukraine’s Prime Minister was struck for the first time since the start of the war, marking a further escalation. New Russian aerial attacks were reported again on the night of 10 and 11 September. The intensification of the war is borne out by the growing number of casualties. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 208 civilians were killed and 827 injured in Ukraine in August alone. Short-range drones caused the highest number of casualties, killing 58 and injuring 272 civilians in August. August and September also saw an increase in attacks affecting energy infrastructure, particularly gas facilities, once again raising fears of a new wave of targeted attacks against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure ahead of the approaching winter. We are equally concerned about the continuing impact of the war on civilians in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine and within the Russian Federation. On 8 September, in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine, Russian officials reported that two people were killed and 16 people were injured by an alleged Ukrainian drone strike. A day earlier, an alleged Ukrainian attack reportedly struck a playground in the same region, injuring six civilians, including a 14-year-old girl, according to Russian officials. Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law. They are unacceptable and must end immediately, wherever they occur. This week’s events underline the dangerous impact of this war on the security of the region and the risk of escalation. This incident also endangers the recent diplomatic efforts to achieve an end to this unprovoked and brutal war. We therefore once again urgently call for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. The end state must be a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations, international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. The United Nations remains available to support all genuine efforts to this end.

I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements.

I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing and for her contribution to the discussion, and I welcome His Excellency Marcin Bosacki, Secretary of State of Poland, in the Chamber. What we are witnessing is not only continued brutality within Ukraine but also a new and dangerous era of intimidation directed at Ukraine’s neighbours. Since 2022, we have seen repeated violations of the sovereign airspace of European States, but never on such a scale. Slovenia strongly condemns this incursion into Polish airspace; it is unacceptable. Let us be clear — such mistakes do not happen. They are not just incidents. They are aggressive and dangerous acts, as it is hard to imagine that so many drones flew so deep over Polish territory unintentionally. I am sure all colleagues sitting around this table understand the unease and concern that arises in the region when a country that is already notorious as a serial violator of the Charter of the United Nations acts in such a way. It is very hard not to look at this incident as yet another tactic of terror. Europe is deeply alarmed. It is even harder to comprehend Russia’s reckless behaviour if we take into account the diplomatic efforts of the United States to end the war in Ukraine. This escalation comes at a moment when there had been hopes for renewed prospects for peace. Instead of talks and diplomacy, the post-Anchorage period has become synonymous with massive strikes. We are witnessing attacks on civilians and infrastructure, including diplomatic premises and government buildings, on a scale not seen since the start of the war. Such behaviour is a direct threat not only to the security of European Union citizens but also to regional stability and international peace. The path down the road Russia is choosing today leads to a downward spiral of escalation, war and destruction. Slovenia therefore once again calls on the Russian Federation to cease this irresponsible behaviour, commit to an immediate ceasefire and start serious and meaningful peace negotiations. We firmly stand with Poland, Ukraine or any other Member of this Organization who needs to be protected against unlawful Charter- trampling actions of Members who feel that their might gives them right and impunity.

Denmark fully supports Poland in calling for this emergency meeting in response to the serious violations of its airspace by drones launched from Russian and Belarusian territory. We thank the presidency for heeding this call so swiftly, and we thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her informative briefing. I also wish to welcome to this meeting His Excellency the State Secretary of Poland. Denmark condemns this violation of Polish sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is a dangerous and reckless escalation that is completely unacceptable and deeply concerning. Our resolve to stand by our allies remains firm. Together with our European Union partners and NATO allies, we will continue to offer support to Poland in protecting its borders. Let there be no doubt: Denmark fully supports the territorial integrity of all countries in line with the Charter of the United Nations. The violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones has taken place amid relentless Russian drone attacks in Ukraine. Russian drones are being used to terrorize the people of Ukraine. They are responsible for countless casualties in cities and on the front line, and increasingly bring death, destruction and misery to the civilian population of Ukraine. The Russian military-industrial complex has been scaled up dramatically to produce drones in huge quantities. They are becoming a serious threat not only to Ukraine but to all countries bordering Russia. These never-ending violations of international law — these aggressions — will only reinforce our determination to continue supporting Ukraine with what it needs to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to exercise its inherent right to self-defence in the face of Russia’s unprovoked and illegal full-scale intervention. We have said it many times: there is a simple alternative, a simple solution. Just one man in the Kremlin could decide to stop his armed forces attacking Ukraine. Unfortunately, Russia’s leader appears to have chosen to prolong this war of conquest and to continue down the path of death, destruction and misery. What we have witnessed over the skies of Poland is a reminder that Russia’s drone surge is by no means restricted to the war of aggression in Ukraine. This violation of Polish airspace is not only the most recent Russian violation of the airspace of its neighbours; it is also a reminder that Russia’s war of aggression poses an inherent threat to international peace and stability. It undermines the fundamentals of international law from which we all benefit. This is why we urge Russia to change its course, to opt for peace, to respect the territorial integrity of its neighbours. Until Russia changes course, we will continue to increase the cost for Russia and its enablers.

I thank the Republic of Korea for convening this emergency meeting. At the outset, I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her insightful briefing, and I welcome the participation of the Secretary of State of Poland. The latest and most serious violation of the airspace of Poland, a European Union and NATO member, constitutes a reckless act and is part of a serious escalation which threatens the security of citizens, regional stability and international peace. It shows that Russia is shifting away from the path to peace, choosing instead the road to provocation. In view of the latest developments, allow me to make a few points. First, Greece strongly condemns the incursion of Polish airspace by at least 19 Russian drones and expresses its relief that no human lives were lost. We stand in full solidarity with the Government and the people of Poland, and we hope that such incidents shall not be repeated. We emphatically condemn any violation of internationally recognized borders — be they land, air or sea borders — as an act that is blatantly against international law and the Charter of the United Nations. We also call on Russia to cease these unlawful acts immediately and respect its obligations under international law. Secondly, this new escalation is the direct result of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. At a time when decisive peace efforts by the United States and President Trump offer us a glimmer of hope, Russia is intensifying its attacks against Ukraine. Lastly, aggression breeds more aggression. War will lead to more war. The spillover effect of violence, which has now affected Poland, has the potential to spiral out of control and needs to stop immediately. I reiterate my country’s firm conviction that an immediate ceasefire is needed as a necessary first step towards a permanent, comprehensive, just and lasting peace settlement based on the principles of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of States.

At the outset, I thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs for her briefing. I welcome the presence of His Excellency Mr. Marcin Bosacki, Secretary of State of the Polish Government. Ms. DiCarlo’s remarks confirm the gravity of the facts. On the night of 9 to 10 September, Russia carried out a new massive air attack against Ukraine. Approximately 20 drones entered Poland, destroying at least one dwelling, causing the closure of four airports and reaching as far as the Gdansk region, more than 700 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. Those are the facts. This is an irresponsible act and a new escalation by Russia in the context of its war of aggression against Ukraine. Poland’s wish to convene this emergency Council meeting following that intolerable violation of its territorial integrity is legitimate, and it was the Council’s duty to respond. France condemns the unacceptable incursion of Russian drones into Polish territory and expresses its full solidarity with Poland, reaffirming our full and complete commitment alongside our allies in the European Union (EU) and NATO. As announced yesterday by the President of the Republic, starting now France is immediately stepping up its support for the air defence of Poland and the eastern flank of Europe. We will not yield to Russia’s intimidation. This incursion occurred as Russia continued to intensify its operations against Ukraine. On 9 September, Russian strikes killed at least 25 civilians in the Ukrainian village of Yarova; two days earlier, Russia struck the Ukrainian Government headquarters in Kyiv for the first time since 2022. France condemns the continued massive Russian bombardments targeting Ukrainian cities, institutions, infrastructure and populations. France commends Ukraine’s resistance and will continue to staunchly support its efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Together with the United States, Europeans and other partners, we have developed a solid security assurances offer for Ukraine that will enable lasting peace once a ceasefire is agreed. That was the purpose of the meeting held in Paris on 4 September with the President of the Republic. Instead of choosing the path of de-escalation in the open war it decided to launch in 2022, Russia is choosing to further increase the threat it poses to the security of all of Europe and to global stability. It is deliberately ignoring the resolutions of the General Assembly, which have repeatedly called on it to end hostilities. Through this dangerous rush forward, Russia is disregarding the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the President of the United States to achieve a ceasefire — efforts we support with a view to achieving a just and lasting peace. It should be noted that, as early as six months ago, Ukraine accepted the principle of an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his readiness for direct negotiations with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. For France, this meeting of the Security Council — the United Nations organ responsible for the maintenance of peace and international security — is an Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom): I thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo for her briefing. I join others in welcoming His Excellency the State Secretary of Poland. On Tuesday, not only did we receive reports of yet another Russian attack on Ukraine but also of an egregious violation of Polish and NATO airspace by Russian drones. This was not the first time Russian drones violated Polish airspace, but this latest incident was unprecedented in scale. Around 20 drones entered Polish territory, prompting the closure of major airports. Several required interception, for the first time, by Polish and NATO air defence. Shelter-in-place warnings were issued to more than 8 million Polish citizens. It is very fortunate that there were no casualties, unlike last time. We commend the swift and effective response by Polish and NATO forces against this gross violation of Poland’s sovereign airspace. The United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with Poland and with Ukraine. We will continue to work with our NATO allies to defend every inch of allied territory. Russia’s aggression only strengthens the unity between NATO nations and our determination to stand with Ukraine. As my Prime Minister said, this was an extremely reckless move by Russia. It serves to remind us of President Putin’s blatant disregard for peace, of the constant bombardment innocent Ukrainians face every day and of the threat that Russia’s actions pose to European and international security. Russia continues to violate the basic principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Open-source imagery of those incursions confirms the United Kingdom’s own assessment. These were Russian drones. We categorically reject Russia’s denials and attempts to diminish the seriousness of this incident. Since the start of Russia’s so-called special military operation, we keep seeing what Russia describes as isolated incidents. Representatives of the Russian Federation have repeatedly and, as recently as yesterday (see S/PV.9992), said in the Council that we should call a spade a spade. So let me do just that. This was no isolated incident. In 2022 we saw hundreds of civilians killed in Russia’s attacks on Bucha and Irpin. Last year I spoke in the Council about Russia’s cowardly attack on a children’s hospital in Kyiv (see S/PV.9682). Since May, we have witnessed the 20 largest air attacks of the entire war. We have witnessed 34,000 drones launched against Ukrainian civilians this year alone. We have seen 1,700 Ukrainians killed and more than 8,300 injured. There has been a threefold increase in the number of child casualties in the past three months alone. Government buildings have been struck. There have been relentless attacks on critical national infrastructure. This is all part of a clear pattern of escalation, and those actions shake the foundations of international peace and security. They show Putin for what he truly is. But we are not intimidated, and we are determined to increase the pressure on Putin. Today, on her visit to Kyiv, my Foreign Secretary announced 100 new sanctions targeting Russia’s military sector and shadow fleet. And NATO has confirmed it will launch Operation Eastern Sentry to bolster its defences on the eastern flank. We call on Russia to end its brutal and illegal war and engage in meaningful negotiations. China always maintains that all countries should conduct international relations in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We have taken note of the recent statements and responses from Poland, Russia and Belarus, among others, in relation to the drone incident. We call on all parties to exercise calm and restraint, properly settle disputes through dialogue and consultation, avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment, and prevent any possible expansion or escalation of the situation. In the current context, any misunderstanding or misjudgment will deepen the trust deficit. Any confrontational rhetoric may spark an escalation. And any military clash could trigger broader instability. This drone incident is a spillover of the Ukraine crisis. In the recent past, we witnessed some positive momentum of dialogue and negotiations, yet significant gaps remain in the positions and claims of the parties concerned across a range of critical issues. The road to restoring peace is still long and arduous. At the same time, the situation on the battlefield remains extremely grave. The profound suffering of ordinary people is deeply distressing. What the international community needs most at present is goodwill rather than hostility, meeting each other halfway rather than military confrontation, and de-escalation rather than further escalation. China calls on all parties to adhere to the three principles, namely, no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of the conflict and no provocation by any party, and to act without delay to promote de-escalation. We urge the parties concerned to demonstrate political will, sustain the momentum for peace talks, continue building consensus and strive to reach a peace agreement as soon as possible. We also call on the international community and regional countries to foster a positive atmosphere, create favourable conditions and provide necessary assistance to this end. China’s position on the Ukraine issue has been objective, impartial and consistent. We are committed to promoting peace talks and seeking a political solution guided by the “four should” propositions put forward by President Xi Jinping. China has been working tirelessly for peace and making every effort to promote dialogue. We have stayed engaged with the parties concerned, sent our Special Envoy for shuttle diplomacy and initiated the Group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine Crisis at the United Nations to consolidate consensus for peace and advance peace efforts. China will continue to work with the international community to play a constructive role in promoting an early political settlement of the crisis.

Guyana appreciates the presidency’s swift response in convening today’s meeting at Poland’s request and thanks Under- Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing. We also welcome the participation of the Secretary of State of Poland and the representatives of Latvia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Belarus, Ukraine and the European Union in this meeting. Guyana is deeply distressed about the emerging trend of eroding respect for international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. Yesterday we gathered in this very Chamber to condemn Israel’s most recent and atrocious breach of the most fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations when it struck Doha on Tuesday (see S/PV.9992). Today the Security Council is once again called upon to address allegations of breaches of national sovereignty and the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations. In his letter dated 10 September (S/2025/572), the Permanent Representative of Poland notified the President of the Security Council that Russian drones had crossed into Poland’s airspace between the evening of 9 September and the morning We have taken note of subsequent public statements issued by Russian authorities in response to the incident, including their readiness to hold consultations with Polish authorities. Even as investigations into the incident continue, the Council must emphasize restraint and de-escalation. Indeed, we must do so firmly and unequivocally and insist that the facts surrounding the incident be thoroughly clarified. International law grants each sovereign nation complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory, and any violation, especially under current conditions, could understandably be viewed as a threat or act of aggression. The gravity of this situation therefore cannot be underestimated. In choosing to join the United Nations and accepting the obligations of its Charter, we each agreed to be bound by all its provisions, including the prohibition on the use of force. Enshrined in Article 2, paragraph 4, this prohibition is one of the Charter’s most explicit provisions and the foremost foundational principle of international law. Guyana therefore reiterates that every Member State of the United Nations has an obligation to uphold these principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the wider body of international law.

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing, and I welcome the participation of the Secretary of State of Poland. On 10 September, Russian military drones violated the airspace of Poland, a NATO member. The United States stands by its NATO allies in the face of these alarming airspace violations. The United States is consulting with Poland and our other NATO allies under article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, and members can rest assured that we will defend every inch of NATO territory. This incident does not help the extraordinary efforts that the United States has undertaken in recent weeks to broker an end to the war. Since the Alaska summit between President Trump and President Putin on 15 August, Russia has intensified its bombing campaign against Ukraine, resulting in a loss of life and damage to civilian infrastructure. These actions, now with the addition of violating the airspace of a United States ally, intentionally or otherwise, show immense disrespect for good-faith United States efforts to bring an end to this conflict. We urge Russia to renew and live up to its commitment to diplomacy by seeking an immediate end to hostilities through direct negotiations with Ukraine. The Russia-Ukraine war needs to end. We cannot risk it escalating into a broader conflict. Russia must demonstrate its seriousness by taking immediate, concrete steps towards peace.

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her comprehensive briefing on developments unfolding in the Eastern European region. The situation continues to be of great concern and carries serious implications for regional stability and international norms. The significant divergence in narratives underscores the urgency of the situation and the critical need for diplomacy and dialogue. The protection of civilian life and critical infrastructure must remain a paramount concern. Such incidents highlight the We firmly maintain that there is no military solution to the ongoing war in the region. Continued escalations only serve to heighten tensions and undermine the prospects for durable peace. We believe that lasting solutions are found at the negotiating table, not through acts that can be interpreted as hostile. In this regard, we call upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to engage in earnest substantive dialogue. A durable resolution will require a genuine commitment to de-escalation, confidence-building measures and renewed focus on diplomatic efforts. In conclusion, my delegation reaffirms its unwavering support for all efforts aimed at upholding the principles of international law and achieving a just and lasting solution consistent with the Charter. The people in the region deserve a future defined by peace, security and stability.

Today the members of the Security Council have been convened to discuss an incident that took place on the territory of Poland on the night of 9 to 10 September. According to reports from the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces, more than a dozen uncrewed aerial vehicles entered the country’s airspace; some of them were reported to have been neutralized by the country’s air defence. A residential building in the Lublin province was damaged, but there were no casualties. Warsaw has acknowledged that the drones could have flown in from the territory of Ukraine. Nevertheless, the country has hastily pinned blame on Russia without presenting any evidence whatsoever. We believe that it is important to analyse the real magnitude of the consequences of the incident and to compare it with what Polish and other European politicians have been saying in an attempt to hype up the incident. What is also needed is to pose additional questions regarding the widely circulated versions of what transpired. On 10 September, Warsaw published data about fragments of fallen drones. Specifically, a photo was presented of a damaged roof of a house. However, any military expert will confirm that, had it indeed been an explosion of a drone warhead weighing tens of kilograms, the consequences would have been different. In this case, there was localized damage, more likely a consequence of falling wreckage. Moreover, the Polish authorities were later compelled to acknowledge that they had not found any drone warheads on their territory. Equally telling is another incident involving a device found in an agricultural field. Apparently, it simply veered off course and fell. This could well be the result of a technical malfunction or the effect of the use of electronic warfare. Now let us turn to Russia’s actions. On the night of 10 September, the Russian armed forces carried out strikes using high-precision long-range land-, sea- and air- based weapons and drones. We targeted military-industrial facilities on the territory of Ukraine that were being used for manufacturing and maintaining armoured vehicles and aircraft of the Ukrainian army and for producing engines and electronic components for this weaponry. There were no targets marked on Polish territory. The maximum flight range of the drones involved in the strike does not exceed 700 kilometres, which makes it physically impossible for them to have reached Polish territory. Despite the obvious baselessness of the allegations levied against us, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation has expressed its willingness to engage in professional dialogue and consultations with the Ministry of National Defence of Poland in order to provide for a comprehensive and objective investigation into the What merits special mention is the constructive and responsible approach of the Belarusian side in the context of what transpired. Through the existing mechanisms, the relevant bodies of the Republic of Belarus promptly informed their Polish colleagues about the risks involved, thus demonstrating their responsible stance and their willingness to cooperate. The policy of Belarus is based on the exchange of objective information and coordination of action, and it should serve as an example of good faith conduct when it comes to such incidents. Unfortunately, in the current circumstances, the reaction to the incident by the Polish and European political establishment and the media outlets raises serious questions. The head of European Union diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, without waiting for official conclusions, rushed to make loud statements about an alleged deliberate violation of Polish airspace, advancing her favourite narrative about the need to invest in Europe’s defence, which means the continued militarization thereof. Hysterical outbursts about Russia allegedly spreading its aggression are also being heard from other European capitals. This is all very similar to the information campaign to maintain the level of external mobilization around Ukraine and to continue to egg on allies to supply new arms. In this regard, let us recall the incident in Przewodów in November 2022, when two Polish citizens were killed by a falling missile. At that time, tensions were also being stoked. However, a year later, Prosecutor General and Minister of Justice Zbigniew Ziobro recognized that both the launch site and the missile itself belonged to Ukraine. Former Polish President Andrzej Duda recently confirmed in an interview with journalist Bogdan Rymanowski that the Kyiv regime had tried to persuade Warsaw to levy accusations against Russia. According to him, it was a deliberate attempt to drag Poland and, consequently, NATO, into an armed conflict. This candid comment by a Polish politician is an important revelation that is not being quoted by European newspapers or discussed in national parliaments. But we believe that it is very important to remind the Council of this today. We are talking about Kyiv’s desire to involve more and more countries in the confrontation with Russia, at all costs. It is no secret that Ukraine has long and consistently sought to expand the geography of the conflict, with no regard for the consequences of such escalation. For years, the Polish authorities, in their anti-Russian fervour, have been willing to support any actions by the Kyiv regime — no matter how evil and reckless — and they have eagerly indulged the regime, hoping to harm Russia using its hands. Unfortunately, the Polish authorities are not drawing any conclusions and are continuing to pursue a policy of escalation in Europe. For example, under the pretext of the conduct of the joint Russian-Belarusian Zapad 2025 exercises, the Polish authorities have already announced the closure of the border with Belarus and their intention to deploy up to 40,000 military personnel to that area. We would like to remind Council members that our aforementioned strategic exercises are defensive in nature and do not pose any threat to any of our neighbouring countries. The representatives of Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) countries, including Poland, have been invited to observe them. But the decision is taken, the border is closed, and the victims of this decision will be ordinary citizens whose freedom of movement has been denied. It is evident that Zelenskyy is currently the main opponent of a political resolution to the Ukrainian crisis, which exposes his illegitimacy. Without conflict, the basis for the legal vacuum will disappear, and this vacuum allows him to retain power in circumvention of constitutional procedures. Even according to Ukrainian polling centres, Zelenskyy’s approval rating is plummeting, as is the level of trust in him. In this context, the unabated hostilities serve as a tool for political survival for the Kyiv authorities. Against this backdrop, it is becoming clear how desperate the Kyiv authorities are in their frenzy to continue throwing the remnants of the forcibly mobilized people into battle, or more accurately, into slaughter, and they continue doing this despite the colossal losses and skyrocketing desertion rates. Official data for 2025 show that more than 140,000 criminal cases have been filed against soldiers who abandoned their units. The total number of deserters since the beginning of the conflict is approaching 266,000. The actual 50 per cent level of manpower in combat units is considered a success, and the real losses exceed 15,000 to 20,000 people per month, which is higher than the pace of mobilization. People no longer wish to die for a corrupt leadership that has long ceased to represent the interests of society. Incidentally, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mr. Syrskyi, recently admitted that Russia has a threefold advantage in forces and resources, and in the main areas it has a four- to sixfold advantage. That is a frank recognition of failure and, in essence, a verdict on the current military-political course of Kyiv. That is why Zelenskyy is now willing to do anything to keep this conflict in the active phase, even if it may require simulating threats, exaggerating consequences or, as was already the case in Przewodów, manipulating any incident to drag NATO countries into the war. It is also noteworthy how easily the head of the Kyiv regime reneges on his own loud statements when they no longer serve his political interests. In recent months, he has invoked slogans about his supposed intention to engage in dialogue. However, the direct and unambiguous proposal by the Russian President to visit our capital to discuss the whole range of issues related to the Ukrainian settlement was rejected by him under the pretext that he is unable to travel while his country is under attack. And yet, as we can see, no attacks prevent him from travelling around European capitals for three and a half years and begging them for further arms supplies and increased military aid, because it is there, in those capitals, that they talk not about peace but about continuing the war, which is completely in line with his interests. As soon as a real chance for peace emerged following the new leader taking office in the White House, a leader who is willing to deal with the root causes of the crisis and seek a lasting solution, Zelenskyy immediately began to renounce all previously announced peace initiatives. This only confirms what we have been pointing to from the very beginning: the Kyiv regime has never had any intention to embrace peace, and everything the regime is doing is designed solely to prolong the conflict, cling to power and continue to take advantage of its Western patrons. Arms deliveries, sanctions misadventures and Brussels’ propaganda hysteria do not bring peace any closer but rather entrench illusions in Kyiv that it will be able to change reality. However, reality cannot be changed: each new month of hostilities brings the regime closer to its collapse and raises the cost of a settlement for Kyiv. We, for our part, continue to pursue a responsible approach. We are open to

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing and take note of her remarks. We welcome the presence of the Secretary of State of Poland in this meeting. A glance at both contemporary and past history is enough to draw a fundamental conclusion about conflicts. Conflicts, especially those continuing for a longer duration, have a greater risk of degenerating into wider confrontation. Given the interconnected nature of our world, the negative externalities from a localized conflict can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only regional but also global security and stability. Alongside many of our fellow members of the Council, Pakistan has repeatedly drawn attention to the negative repercussions that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has had far beyond its geographical expanse. We have therefore called for the need to bring an end to this conflict. We take note of Poland’s letter dated 10 September addressed to the Council (S/2025/572), reporting violations of its airspace. Pakistan is an ardent proponent and adherent of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles contained therein. We firmly hold that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States is sacrosanct and must be respected. Pakistan remains deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the humanitarian tragedy unfolding as a result. We have consistently said and repeat once again, military solutions are counterproductive and serve only to sow seeds for future conflicts. We are dismayed by the recent escalation in fighting and note with deep regret that diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have thus far remained inconclusive and without meaningful progress. Pakistan’s position from the very outset has been clear and consistent. We have always called upon the parties to demonstrate restraint, scrupulously adhere to international humanitarian law, make meaningful strides towards de-escalation and give primacy to dialogue and diplomacy. We firmly believe that only a sincere and meaningful dialogue which 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 secure a peace that is both just and enduring. Pakistan stands ready to support all regional and international efforts that pave the way for a peaceful resolution of this conflict.

I also thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing. We welcome the participation of the Secretary of State of Poland in this meeting. Since the onset of this conflict, Sierra Leone has joined the international community in calling for its end, urging the parties to embrace diplomatic negotiations towards a ceasefire that prevents further death and suffering. The conflict has already taken tens of thousands of lives, caused mass displacement and deprived millions of basic needs. Its destabilizing impact has been felt not only in Europe but across the world. The recent reports of Russian drones entering the airspace of Poland mark an alarming escalation. According to the letter from the Permanent Representative of Poland (S/2025/572), 19 drones launched from Russian and Belarusian territory violated Poland’s airspace between 9 and 10 September, described rightly by Poland as an unprecedented violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This event must be situated within a wider pattern: the ongoing erosion of international law and the weakening of the rules-based international legal order anchored in the Charter of the United Nations. The Charter enshrines the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Article 2, paragraph 3, obliges Member States to resolve their disputes by peaceful means while refraining from the threat or use of force. Yet today those principles are being increasingly disregarded. The disregard for sovereignty and territorial integrity in this conflict, the repeated resort to force and the inability of the Council to secure even temporary ceasefires together reflect a deeper crisis — a threat to the very foundations of collective security. If this trajectory continues, the war stands at the precipice of unrestrained escalation, where brute force replaces dialogue and law gives way to power politics. Accordingly, let me make three observations. First, the heightened tensions resulting from the Polish incident threaten to derail ongoing efforts for peace. As European States have long sought diplomatic solutions to end this war, their engagement remains essential for a sustainable peace settlement and the eventual reconstruction of Ukraine. Secondly, the war has exposed the fragility of global economic and security systems. A further regional escalation will not only fracture Europe but also undermine the multilateral order painstakingly constructed after the Second World War. It will erode trust in the Charter, embolden violations elsewhere and weaken the fabric of international law. Thirdly, any negotiation or agreement to end this conflict must be grounded in international law. Sierra Leone reiterates its support for a political settlement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders while addressing the legitimate security concerns of all parties. The human cost of this war remains unbearable. The Council must therefore not allow this suffering to persist. Sierra Leone urges all parties to commit to peace and to engage in good-faith negotiations. We commend the ongoing efforts of the United States, European leaders and other mediators, but more is required. We renew our call for political engagement at the highest levels to address the underlying strategic issues and concerns. Above all, the Council must insist on full adherence to international law, including international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, humanitarian access must be unhindered, and diplomacy must be pursued with urgency and determination. The Security Council was established to safeguard international peace and security, not to witness its unravelling. Each violation of sovereignty, each missile fired into civilian neighbourhoods and each failure to uphold the Charter brings us closer to a dangerous abyss. The world is at the precipice. It is our collective duty to pull it back — by recommitting to the principles of the Charter, by upholding international law and by insisting on the peaceful settlement of disputes. We have taken note of the recent concerning reports about Russian uncrewed aerial vehicles in the airspace of the Republic of Poland and the information provided by the Russian Federation regarding these incidents. These developments constitute yet another escalation of the already tense situation in the region, caused by the war between Russia and Ukraine. Time and again, Algeria has insisted on the need to avoid escalation and polarization in the region so as to prevent the spread of the conflict. Even as the logic of confrontation had already shown its limits in bringing about peace, the recent diplomatic talks proved that dialogue could achieve what war could not in more than three years. Against this backdrop, I would like to highlight the following points. First, it is highly important to keep the momentum of recent diplomatic efforts and to avoid any escalation that could hinder the ending of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the achievement of peace and security in the region. Secondly, it is equally important to promote communication between the parties aimed at establishing the facts surrounding these incidents and addressing their consequences. Last but not least, Algeria reiterates its call to prioritize restraint over escalation, dialogue over confrontation and diplomacy above all. Tensions have reached unprecedented levels, and it is high time to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and the entire region.

We are grateful for the briefing provided by Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. We also welcome the participation of the Secretary of State of Poland, Mr. Marcin Bosacki, and of the other delegations who honour us with their presence today. We are meeting here today to address the grave incident that occurred in Poland’s airspace in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. We think it is important that the circumstances of this incident be clarified urgently and transparently, as the incursion of at least 19 drones into Polish airspace over a seven-hour period has been reported. The details of the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. This deplorable act constitutes a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Poland, a Member State of the Organization, and a worrying escalation that destabilizes the region. In this regard, Panama reaffirms that multilateralism, preventive diplomacy and dialogue, grounded in respect for international law, are the only legitimate means of preventing further escalation. The Council cannot ignore that the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States is not an abstract ideal. Upholding those principles is a moral and legal obligation that sustains the rules-based international order and protects peoples from the law of the strongest. Historical experience shows that war, when not stopped in time, can spread beyond its immediate borders and drag the entire world into tragedy and suffering. That collective memory must serve as a warning. We cannot allow the erosion of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations to lead us down that path again.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the Republic of Korea. I would like to begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for the timely briefing, and I welcome the participation of His Excellency Mr. Marcin Bosacki, Secretary of State of Poland, in this meeting. The recent drone incident near Poland’s eastern border is not an isolated event. Indeed, it is a stark reminder that the battlefield may no longer be confined to Ukraine. We have concerns that what we are seeing can lead to the horizontal expansion of an illegal war, spilling across borders and threatening the peace and security of neighbouring States. We take note, with particular alarm, of Poland’s account of this event, indicating that this was not accidental but rather a deliberate and premeditated act. It would mark a dangerous turning point, in which the war may no longer be contained but spreading into Europe. Let us recall that this war was illegal from the very beginning, launched in clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations through the unlawful use of force. What is more concerning, however, is how its illegality has further deepened and metastasized in at least the following three ways. First, as this instance demonstrates, the unlawful use of force seems to be spreading geographically, pushing the front lines far beyond Ukraine and into the sovereign territory of other nations. This is a deeply destabilizing trend. Secondly, we continue to see systematic and indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, in blatant violation of international humanitarian law. One instance from this week illustrates the human cost. Just this past Tuesday, a Russian glide-bomb struck a site in Donetsk, killing 24 people, many of them elderly Ukrainians simply waiting in line to collect their monthly pensions. Thirdly, an unexpected consequence of this war has been the continuing military cooperation between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which constitutes again a flagrant violation of Security Council resolutions and a direct threat to peace in both Europe and Asia. It must stop immediately. The Republic of Korea hopes that the political will, led by the United States and supported by responsible members of the international community, to bring an end to the war will not diminish. Before that common will is exhausted, we must allow today’s meeting to serve not as just another record of outrage, but as a resounding wake-up call. I resume my functions as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Poland.

I would like to begin by thanking the Republic of Korea for convening today’s meeting and Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her excellent briefing. I also want to thank the representatives of many Security Council members for their words and actions of support and solidarity with Poland. Allow me to start with a quote: Thus spoke Sergey Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, here in this very Chamber at a Security Council meeting on Ukraine a year ago. Russian officials have repeatedly accused others, primarily Ukraine and its allies, of engaging in terrorist attacks by using drones to target non-military infrastructure. The opposite is true. In fact, it is Russia that uses those weapons against civilians. Events in Poland just two days ago proved once again that every Russian accusation eventually turns out to be a confession. Today, for the very first time in history, an emergency meeting of the Security Council was called at the request of Poland. We did that — we asked for that — to declare that the sky over Poland, my country, a sovereign State, has been deliberately violated by Russia. On the night between 9 and 10 September, 19 Russian military drones flying over the territory of both Ukraine and Belarus breached Polish airspace, thus trespassing the borders of Poland, NATO and the European Union. Such incidents happened before, but this time was the first time since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 that Polish territorial integrity had been purposely violated on such an unprecedented scale. We know that it was not a mistake. Poland, together with allied Dutch, German and Italian military forces, acted calmly, professionally and decisively, executing its right to defend its territorial integrity. The drones that threatened Polish citizens and critical infrastructure were shot down pre-emptively. Drones are instruments of terror that have shattered homes and communities across Ukraine. Two days ago, they tried to target Polish homes. This is one of them, in the village of Wyryki in eastern Poland. The representative of the Russian Federation claimed that maybe these were not Russian drones. This is the evidence for that, including signs in Russian on the parts of the drone. I do not want to spend too much of the Council’s precious time on the Orwellian — or near-Orwellian — language of our Russian colleague, combined with blatant lies, but let me just draw the Council’s attention to one factor. He kept repeating that the reason for this “alleged aggression” — to use his near-Orwellian phrase — which, as he himself admitted, has caused hundreds of thousands of innocent victims so far, was an illegitimate regime or a fascist regime. We in the region remember the same kind of rhetoric from Russian diplomats when Russia — then Soviet Russia —attacked Czechoslovakia in 1968, Hungary in 1956, or Poland — together with Nazi Germany — in September 1939, following the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The fact is that, in the region, among the neighbours of Russia, everybody is free, prosperous and happy when there are no Russian troops in their countries. One can only hope that Ukraine will be liberated from Russia’s forces and will follow in the footsteps and history of Poland, the Baltic States, Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary. Russia wants to set the region on fire. Here in the Chamber sits a permanent member of the Security Council, acting as a judge in its own case, violating the We call upon the Council to respond to Russian criminal actions with unified, unequivocal and immediate condemnation, which should serve as a critical preventive measure to de-escalate the situation and deter further acts of this kind. As for Russia, we expect it to take full responsibility for this unjustified act, to fully explain the reasons for the intrusion and to take all necessary measures so that such incidents do not recur in future. I have one more important thought to share. Our Russian colleague called it a possible malfunction, mistake or coincidence. A coincidence or malfunction can occur once or twice, but not 19 times — not 19 intrusions conducted within seven hours. Moreover, not only did those drones — those Russian military drones — fly through the airspace of Ukraine, but they also, as their ally, President Lukashenko, admitted, were flown through Belarusian airspace. The way to achieve stability and peace in the region is simple: Russia must stop its barbaric war against Ukraine. Poland will not be intimidated. Our resolve to stand with Ukraine and defend the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity remains unwavering.

I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

I will speak on behalf of the Baltic States — Estonia, Lithuania and my own country, Latvia. I thank the presidency of the Council for convening this meeting, and I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing. In the early hours of 10 September, Poland saw the largest number of Russian drones illegally entering its territory. The Baltic States condemn the violation of Poland’s airspace, and we stand in full solidarity with our Polish allies. The Baltic States recall that this is neither a first time nor an isolated incident in our region. All Baltic States have had Russian assets enter our airspace illegally in the past year. Russia’s reckless actions are most concerning for the overall security of the region. This is yet another escalation by a permanent member of the Security Council against the sovereign territory of another State, another test of the entire rules-based international order and a violation of the Charter of the United Nations, customary international law and the fundamental principles of the Helsinki Final Act. There are concerns of further provocations as the Russia and Belarus military exercises commence today near our borders. The international response to the violation of the sovereign airspace of Poland has been swift, clear and united. Russia’s actions have been unequivocally condemned. We urge that Russia fully respect the Charter, that it stop the violation of European airspace and that it stop the violation of international borders. The Charter is also clear that countries have an inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs. We will exercise this sovereign and collective right to defend ourselves against any attacks. The violation of Poland’s airspace is yet another call to the international community to remain vigilant. This also shows why we, the neighbours of Russia and Belarus, are the staunchest supporters of Ukraine. Our European and global security is tied to the security of Ukraine. We all want peace in our neighbourhood and along our borders. Ukrainians want peace the most, as they are under constant attack and are experiencing daily atrocities. Today’s meeting unfortunately draws the same conclusions as during the Allow me to ask a question — a rhetorical one: how has Russia reacted to the global call for a just and lasting peace? What signals has Russia been sending while everyone is calling for a full and unconditional ceasefire? Let me point out just a few atrocities that have happened since the last time we met in this Chamber: two Russian missiles hit and killed members of a Danish humanitarian demining team in the Chernihiv region; Russia launched the largest aerial assault on Ukrainian cities, with over 800 drones and missiles and hit the Ukrainian Government building with a missile; and a Russian glide bomb killed more than 20 people, mostly elderly people waiting in line for their monthly pensions in the Donetsk region. Do these actions indicate any readiness to stop the war and the killing of civilians? I do not think that the answer is unclear. The violation of Poland’s airspace is yet another escalation and another violation of international law that Russia has made excuses for without changing its action. It only strengthens our resolute support for Ukraine and its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on the Security Council to fulfil its role: the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Russia must be stopped. It only understands peace if it is delivered through strength. We are united in support of both Ukraine and the defence and security of our nations and our allies.

I now give the floor to the representative of 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. I would like to thank the Republic of Korea for convening this meeting and Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing. This week, Russian drones violated Polish airspace and, in doing so, the airspace of the European Union (EU) and NATO. Polish, Italian and Dutch fighter aircraft succeeded in tracking and shooting down the Russian drones over Poland. The Benelux countries stand in solidarity with our Polish allies, and we remain ready to provide any further support. We condemn this violation of Polish airspace in the strongest possible terms. It is a reckless and dangerous act by the Russian Federation, risking further escalation. In doing so, Russia is violating the Charter of the United Nations and threatening the security of innocent citizens, regional stability and international peace and security. This was not an isolated incident and cannot be ignored. This incident demonstrates that, if Russia’s aggression remains unchecked, it is bound to repeat itself. It also demonstrates that Ukrainian and European security are closely interlinked. The actions of the Russian Federation have only strengthened our resolve. The Benelux countries will continue to provide coordinated military, humanitarian and budgetary support to Ukraine in order to bolster its efforts to defend itself and rebuild the country. The Benelux countries call upon all countries to actively support Ukraine in its fight to survive, because this is not just about Ukraine or Europe. We must show that we will take a stand against violations of internationally recognized borders and that we will protect the Charter. Aggression cannot become the new norm. This affects us all. The Benelux countries call on the Council to take tangible steps towards a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire so that such incidents cannot recur. We will continue to actively contribute to all efforts bringing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace closer.

I now give the floor to the representative of Belarus.

We thank Ms. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary- General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, for her briefing. The Republic of Belarus has consistently prioritized the exclusively peaceful settlement of the conflict. We see no alternative to ending this bloody confrontation other than dialogue based on mutual respect, trust and equality among the parties. We welcome the ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at facilitating direct negotiations. We hope that the recent bilateral summit between the Russian Federation and the United States in Alaska will yield tangible results for the peace process. In this regard, we note the efforts of the President of the United States to help bring the conflict to an early end. We have always maintained, and continue to insist, that it is essential to achieve a ceasefire and move towards consolidating agreements with firm and unequivocal guarantees for both Ukraine and the Russian Federation. We regret that, in its request to convene this meeting of the Security Council, Poland accused Belarus of escalating the situation and disregarding international law. We categorically reject any allegations against us in connection with the incidents involving uncrewed aerial vehicles that violated Polish airspace on the night of 10 September. Such statements are particularly unfounded given that the Republic of Belarus was the first — and possibly the only — party to inform Poland of the approach of those drones. Belarus has already provided a detailed explanation on this matter. Allow me to quote from the statement made on 10 September by the Chief of the General Staff and First Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Belarus: “During the night-time exchange of strikes by uncrewed aerial vehicles between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, the air defence forces and assets on duty of the Republic of Belarus continuously tracked the uncrewed aerial vehicles that had veered off course as a result of the impact of electronic warfare measures of the parties. Some of the lost drones were destroyed by the air defence forces of our country over the territory of the Republic. Through the existing channels of communication, from 11 p.m. on 9 September to 4 a.m. on 10 September, our air defence forces and assets on duty exchanged information on the air and radar situation with the air defence forces and assets of Poland and the Republic of Lithuania, thereby notifying them of the approach of unidentified drones towards the territory of their countries. This allowed the Polish side to respond promptly to the actions of the drones by scrambling its forces on duty.” I would add that, in this situation, the Republic of Belarus acted in full transparency and showed its readiness for prompt cooperation, having informed Poland in advance — indeed, almost immediately, to the extent possible. In response, however, we have heard completely unsubstantiated allegations directed against us. As the General Staff of the Republic of Belarus stated, the exchange of information on air activity is an important element of regional security and contributes to confidence-building measures and the strengthening of security. The Republic of Belarus will continue to fulfil its obligations within the framework of the exchange of information on the air situation with Poland and the Baltic States. It is absolutely clear that our actions demonstrate the absence of any escalation on the part of the Republic of Belarus — something we cannot say when it comes to neighbouring countries. It is telling that this meeting is taking place immediately after Poland closed its land border with the Republic of Belarus. All checkpoints on the border with Poland ceased their activities as of tonight, 12 September. Vehicular and rail traffic has been halted, transit has been paralysed, and the movement of people has stopped. Is this not a situation that creates a real threat to stability in the region? The decision by the Polish authorities to close the border with Belarus is an example of baseless measures targeting ordinary citizens of both Belarus and Poland, as well as foreign nationals. Such actions create significant difficulties for the normal functioning of international movement of people and goods and is detrimental to many States, both in the East and in the West. This is a clear abuse of geographical location — the privatization of the borders of the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, of East and West. Such measures build upon the policy of undermining relations with neighbouring countries and contribute to the further escalation of tensions in the region, creating risks for stability and predictability in international relations. The leadership of the United Nations and the European Union should issue a principled assessment of such actions. We call on the Security Council to examine these actions and respond appropriately. Instead of destabilizing rhetoric and behaviour, we urge all parties to return to constructive engagement and dialogue. Once again, we reaffirm Belarus’s commitment to exclusively peaceful steps to resolve the confrontation. We stand ready to continue assisting in the search for mutually acceptable solutions to the conflict.

I now give the floor to Mr. Lambrinidis. Mr. Lambrinidis: I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia Herzegovina and Georgia, as well as Iceland, Norway, Andorra and Monaco, align themselves with this statement. I thank you, Mr. President, for the presidency’s readiness to convene this emergency meeting. I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing and the Secretary of State of Poland for his presence here today. Let me express my full solidarity with Poland, a member State of the European Union. Our leaders have been in constant contact with their Polish counterparts over the past days, and we are offering support to protect Poland’s eastern border. The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the international violation of the airspace of one of our member States by Russian drones, which took place Only two weeks ago, Russian missiles caused severe damage to the EU delegation in Kyiv, and now 19 of its drones have violated our airspace. It is the latest in a series of violations of EU member States’ sovereign airspace to have occurred since 2022, and it only strengthens our resolve to support Ukraine and its people in their defence against Russia and in their pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. The EU underlines the importance of raising the costs for Moscow further. We will significantly ramp up sanctions on Russia and its enablers, and we will also work with our international partners to put pressure on Russia to end this war. The EU remains steadfast in supporting a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine on the basis of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, which respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and also respects Ukraine’s inherent right to self- defence. It goes without saying that our resolve to support Ukraine and its people in their defence against Russia remains unwavering.

I now give the floor to the representative of Ukraine.

In February, the Security Council adopted a very short resolution, resolution 2774 (2025), imploring “a swift end to the conflict and further urg[ing] a lasting peace between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.” Let me remind Council members that Ukraine was not exactly thrilled with that text. We made no secret of our disappointment. But unlike Russia, which, even though it voted in favour of that resolution, now does not give a damn about it, we do respect all the decisions of the Council, and we remain ready and committed to implementing them. And yet here we are, 201 days later, we all have to confess that peace has not come galloping towards us on a white horse. On the contrary, we are further away from peace than we have ever been. The human toll is catastrophic. Ukraine has suffered more civilian casualties over the past months than at any time since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. And just two days ago, Moscow decided that it was not enough to keep murdering Ukrainians. Russia is spreading this conflagration to Europe, now launching its deadly drones into Poland’s airspace. Let me express Ukraine’s full solidarity with the Polish people. We condemn this cynical provocation, this brazen attack. Let me also be clear: we fully share the assessment of the Polish authorities that this was not a technical error; it was not a lost GPS signal or any of the other fairy tales that we have heard today. It was a conscious decision. It was a conscious decision by Russia to cross yet another red line and test our patience, the patience of the international community. And it was a conscious decision by Russia to deliberately escalate this war. If this escalation goes without a decisive reaction, Russia will not stop at Poland. Tomorrow it could be drones or even missiles falling on Berlin, Paris or London, and the day after, who knows, something might even accidentally cross the Atlantic. So today we face a choice. Will the Council continue to wait until hell freezes over before we act, or do we finally do what the Council was created to do and end, once and for all, this bloody war before it destroys the entire planet? That is why the question of an immediate ceasefire is not an academic one. For months, Ukraine has been calling upon the Council to adopt a resolution on a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire. We cannot afford to sit here and wait for fair weather at sea, while the storm rages, tearing our sails apart. It is the solemn duty of the Council to prevent this scenario before it is too late and to stop this madness before it swallows us all. By sending drones to Ukraine and now to Poland, But must the Council remain a hostage to this veto and be condemned to wring its hands and watch as thousands of civilians die? Absolutely not. Nothing — and I repeat, nothing — prevents the other 14 members sitting at this table and every single United Nations Member State from doing what dozens of nations, the European Union, the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and many others did in the first weeks and months of this war. They can impose unilateral but coordinated sanctions that will choke Russia’s war machine, cut off its supply chains and stop the flow of components for those murderous drones and missiles that are killing Ukrainians today and threatening to kill our European neighbours tomorrow, as Moscow did just two days ago in Poland. And one day, history will knock on this door and ask what Council members sitting at this table did, while Russia was trampling on the Charter of the United Nations? Did they act or did they just clear their throats, draft another deeply concerned statement or just look away, bury their heads in the sand and then proceed to the next agenda item? We are not in Samuel Beckett’s play, amusing ourselves with endless waiting. The world burns while we twiddle our thumbs, waiting for Godot, who will never arrive. So please, dear colleagues, present this ceasefire draft resolution now.