EU and 50 nations, including Georgia, condemn Russian airspace violation in Estonia

Ahead of a UN Security Council session on the recent incursion of Russian warplanes into Estonian airspace, a joint statement was issued urging Russia to end provocations and threats against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours.

The declaration was made on behalf of the governments of Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Fiji, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, as well as the European Union and Estonia.

“On September 19, three armed Russian fighter jets entered Estonian airspace for 12 minutes — violating Estonia’s territorial integrity and breaching the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force. By openly violating our airspace, Russia is undermining principles that are essential to the security of all UN member states. It is therefore crucial that such actions — especially when committed by a permanent member of the Security Council — are addressed within this very body,” Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna stated.

Tsahkna stressed this airspace violation is part of a wider pattern of Russian behavior intended to test the resolve of Europe and NATO.

“Just days earlier, 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace and a Russian attack drone remained in Romanian airspace for an hour. These are not isolated incidents, but part of a broader pattern of escalation by Russia, both regionally and globally. This behavior requires an international response.

Russia’s conduct is incompatible with the responsibilities of a permanent member of the UN Security Council. And such actions would be unacceptable from any UN member state,” he added.