Second G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting “The United Nations at 80: Reaffirming peace as a path to sustainable economic development”
Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia H.E. Mr. Margus Tsahkna
25 September 2025, New York
Dear Minister Lamola,
Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,
Let me begin by thanking the Presidency of the G20, South Africa, for convening the second G20 Foreign Ministerial meeting in an open format.
We meet at a pivotal moment when the future of the multilateral system is at stake. Now more than ever, cooperation between UN Member States is essential to address our shared global challenges and injustices.
Allow me to focus on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine to argue that the consequences of this war are far-reaching across global peace, economy, and development. Therefore, it is in our common interest to take action against Russia’s aggression and force Russia to peace in Ukraine.
If we allow a Permanent Member of the Security Council to blatantly violate the founding principles of the UN Charter – that borders cannot be changed by force, that sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable – it undermines the global security order. It emboldens other potential aggressors. Increasing number of countries must invest more on their defence at the expense of economic development and aid.
This Monday, Estonia for the first time in our history had to call for a Security Council meeting due to Russia violating our territorial integrity with armed fighter jets flying in our airspace. Starting from 2026 Estonia is spending at least 5% of its GDP to defence. We do not do that because we like to have expensive arms systems in our arsenal but because of the need to defend our independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Estonia knows from its own history the value of resilience and the power of solidarity. Despite the pressure on our defence expenditures, we continue to share our reform experience across the world in digital transformation, education, the green transition, and creating a business environment that attracts innovation and investment.
Estonia also continues to be a credible global humanitarian donor, helping to alleviate suffering not only Ukraine, but also in Syria, Gaza, including by supporting UNRWA, Sudan.
We call on the international community to step up support for Ukraine, as the war’s outcome directly affects our ability to focus on sustainable development, economic growth, and humanitarian aid instead of fuelling an arms race.
Thank you!
