11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Main Committee I
Statement delivered by Mr Ott Laido, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Estonia to the United Nations
New York, 01 May 2026
Mr. Chair,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and will highlight a few issues in our national capacity.
The NPT remains essential in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. It is the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, the only credible pathway to nuclear disarmament and a key framework for international cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science, and technology.
We cannot discuss nuclear non-proliferation without addressing Russia’s reckless, irresponsible, and provocative nuclear rhetoric and threats. These are in direct contradiction to its obligations under the NPT and they undermine strategic stability and erode confidence in global nuclear risk reduction.
By threatening nuclear use, and de-ratifying the CTBT, Russia has further undermined long-standing norms of nuclear restraint. It has also violated the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, suspended participation in the New START Treaty without pursuing a successor arrangement and lowered the threshold for nuclear use. These actions demonstrate Russia’s clear disregard for the international non-proliferation and disarmament regime.
Estonia strongly condemns the continued military support provided by Belarus, Iran, and the DPRK to Russia, enabling it to sustain its war of aggression against Ukraine. We also call on China to end its role as a decisive enabler of this war.
We also condemn Russia’s announced deployment of nuclear weapons and nuclear-capable systems on Belarusian territory, which further undermines Euro-Atlantic security and raises serious concerns regarding nuclear restraint.
Chair,
China’s rapid and opaque expansion of its nuclear arsenal raises serious concerns regarding transparency and consistency with its disarmament commitments under the NPT. The lack of clarity surrounding its nuclear doctrine, including its declared No First Use policy, further fuels mistrust and strategic uncertainty. We call on China to engage constructively in nuclear risk reduction, to enhance transparency, and to clarify its strategic intentions.
The integrity of the global non-proliferation regime, also depends on the effective implementation of the IAEA safeguards. Full and verifiable cooperation with the Agency is essential to ensure that nuclear material and technology are used exclusively for peaceful purposes. We call on all states to uphold their safeguards obligations without exception.
In this regard, Iran’s continued lack of cooperation with the IAEA is deeply concerning and undermines confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Iran must urgently and fully engage with the Agency, ensure complete transparency and comply with its safeguards obligations under international law. We call on Iran to reverse its current nuclear course and return to full compliance with its non-proliferation commitments under the NPT.
Estonia strongly condemns the DPRK’s continued development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. These pose a threat to international and regional peace and security. We also condemn its transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and undermining the non-proliferation regime. We call on the DPRK to return to compliance with the NPT and its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA, and to sign and ratify the Additional Protocol thereto.
Estonia supports all international efforts towards the entry into force of the CTBT and urges all States, particularly the Annex II States, to sign and ratify the Treaty. We also support the immediate commencement of negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty. We call on all nuclear-weapon States to declare or maintain moratoria on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices.
I thank you.