UN Security Council meeting under the agenda item “Threats to International Peace and Security”
Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Baltic states
1 June 2026, New York
President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Baltic States. We also align ourselves with the statement of the European Union.
We thank the Colombian Presidency for convening this meeting following a grave incident where a Russian military drone carrying explosives entered Romanian territory and struck a civilian residential building.
The explosion injured civilians, damaged homes and violated Romania’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in violation of international law and the UN Charter. Such reckless military actions generate growing risks for regional and international security. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States – on land, at sea and in the air – must be respected at all times. The Baltic States strongly condemn this incident and reaffirm our full solidarity with Romania and its people.
President,
As Friday’s incident in Romania shows, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has consequences far beyond the borders of Ukraine. This was the 28th confirmed violation of Romanian airspace alone. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, drones have crashed or been discovered in more than ten countries. Russia’s aim is to consistently provoke the global security situation by hybrid attacks, including drone incursions into sovereign countries’ airspace.
Now in its fifth year, Russia’s so called “special military operation” in Ukraine is clearly not going as planned, not going well at all, and its desperation has become more reckless and dangerous. Instead of heeding repeated calls, including in this Chamber, for full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, Russia has once again chosen escalation over peace. It continues to terrorize by sending swarms of drones and missiles to kill Ukrainian civilians and destroy its civilian infrastructure, while also resorting to hybrid activities to intimidate those who support Ukraine – with airspace violations, acts of sabotage, disinformation campaigns, interference with navigation systems, and plain threats.
Yet, if Russia thinks that it can intimidate us, their calculation is clearly wrong. The Baltic States stand firmly with Ukraine. We will continue our steadfast political, diplomatic, military and financial support for Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace in full compliance with the principles of the UN Charter.
The reckless incident in Romania only strengthens our resolve to increase pressure on Russia to end its illegal war of aggression. This includes more effective sanctions, stricter enforcement of existing measures and ensuring accountability for all the crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.
We will also step up with efforts to strengthen the defense and security of our nations and allies.
Article 51 of the UN Charter is clear that countries have “an inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs”. We will exercise this sovereign and collective right to defend ourselves against any attacks.
President,
To conclude, we call again on Russia to immediately cease its war of aggression against Ukraine, stop terrorizing Ukrainian and Europe’s populations, and comply with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations.
We call on the Security Council to fulfil its role in maintaining international peace and security, and do everything in its power to have Russia – a permanent member of the Council – to agree to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire and a just and lasting peace.
I thank you.