UNGA81 First Committee cluster debate on regional disarmament and security
Statement delivered by Mr. Ott Laido, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Estonia
New York, 23 October 2026
Thank you, Chair,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier today by the European Union. In addition, we would like to highlight the following points in our national capacity.
Chair,
The European security architecture founded on the rule of law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, continues to be severely undermined by Russia. Its illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, remains a direct violation of the UN Charter.
Russia is not acting alone.
The DPRK continues to provide Russia with ammunition and ballistic missiles, while its troops fight alongside Russian forces. Iran provides military support, including drones and missiles. Belarus enables Russia’s aggression through its territory and infrastructure. China-based companies continue to provide dual-use goods and components that sustain Russia’s military-industrial capacity.
The implications of Russia’s aggression extend far beyond Ukraine. Russia is seeking to demonstrate that military force, threats and pressure can determine the security choices of sovereign states.
We therefore reaffirm, that European security cannot be based on spheres of influence, or, the right of the strongest, to dictate the choices of others.
Any credible discussion about peace and European security, must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, and the right of all European states, to determine their own future.
Chair,
Russia’s aggression is also increasingly accompanied by hybrid activities against European states, including sabotage, cyberattacks, arson and attempts to interfere with critical infrastructure.
These are not abstract threats. The arson attack against the Estonian defense company Milrem Robotics, was an act of sabotage, ordered by the special services of the Russian Federation.
These incidents show, how Russia is deliberately bringing the consequences of its war onto European soil to undermine support for Ukraine.
Chair,
Estonia also condemns Iran’s destabilizing activities, which undermine regional and international security. Tensions in the Gulf also threaten global markets and economic resilience.
Estonia remains committed, to a rules-based international order, in which sovereignty is not conditional, borders cannot be changed by force, and security is not achieved at the expense of others.
I thank you.
