11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Statement delivered by H.E. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the United Nation
New York, 28 April 2026
Mr. President,
Allow me at the outset to congratulate you on your election as President of the 11th Review Conference of the NPT. We wish you every success in this important role. Estonia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and will highlight several issues in our national capacity.
There is a trend that has intensified, since the conclusion of the 10th Review Conference. It is the systematic undermining by Russia of the arms control architecture, that has long reinforced the NPT. Russia continues to wage its war of aggression against Ukraine for the fifth consecutive year. This constitutes a clear violation of international law and norms, as well as a grave breach of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russia’s repeated nuclear threats constitute a clear rejection of decades of efforts to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in international politics, contributing to the normalization of coercive nuclear signaling. Its suspension of participation in the New START Treaty, and failure to pursue a successor arrangement, have effectively dismantled the last remaining pillar of bilateral strategic arms control between the world’s two largest nuclear powers. Furthermore, its withdrawal of ratification from the CTBT, weakens the global norm against nuclear testing, and signals a readiness to abandon long-standing constraints.
Russia’s military occupation and repeated attacks on civilian nuclear facilities, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, violate fundamental principles of nuclear safety and security. Such actions undermine confidence in the peaceful uses of the NPT, erode trust in international nuclear safety norms, and place significant strain on the global nuclear safety and security framework.
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.
Mr. President,
The NPT remains the essential bulwark against the spread of nuclear weapons.
NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture, including nuclear sharing arrangements, is fully consistent with the NPT and remains a cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security. NATO’s extended deterrence arrangements have long served as a key tool in preventing proliferation, and contributing to a more stable security environment. In an increasingly insecure world, NATO’s extended deterrence remains critical to deterring aggression, promoting collective security, and preventing conflict.
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.
Estonia also supports the commencement of negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty and calls on all nuclear-weapon States to declare or maintain moratoria on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices.
Estonia is deeply concerned about China’s rapid and opaque expansion of its nuclear arsenal, which raises questions regarding transparency and consistency with its disarmament commitments under the NPT. Concerns about its doctrine and expanding capabilities fuel mistrust, including regarding its declared No First Use policy. We call on China to engage constructively in nuclear risk reduction and arms control efforts, including by enhancing transparency, establishing reliable communication channels, and clarifying its strategic intentions.
The IAEA’s safeguards are a fundamental component of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and essential for enabling peaceful nuclear cooperation. Its independence must be protected, and all states must ensure full cooperation. States that have failed to meet their obligations, such as Iran and the DPRK, must return to compliance and urgently resume full cooperation with the Agency.
I thank you.
