Statement by Latvia, delivered by Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the UN, on behalf of the Baltic States - Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania - at the UN Security Council meeting on the violations of Poland's airspace by Russia (9995th meeting - Threats to international peace and security)
New York, 12 September 2025
Thank you Mr President,
I will speak on behalf of the Baltic States – Estonia, Lithuania and my own country Latvia. And I thank the Presidency of the Council for convening this meeting and thank the USG DiCarlo for her briefing.
In the early hours of 10th of September, Poland saw the largest number of Russian drones illegally entering its territory. The Baltic States condemn the violation of Poland’s airspace and we stand in full solidarity with our Polish allies.
The Baltic States recall that this is neither a first time, nor an isolated incident in our region. All Baltic States have had Russian assets enter our airspace illegally in the past year.
Russia’s reckless actions are most concerning for the overall security of the region. This is yet another escalation by a permanent member of the UN Security Council against sovereign territory of another state. Another test of the entire rules-based international order. A violation of the UN Charter, customary international law, as well as the fundamental principles of the Helsinki Final Act.
There are concerns of further provocations as Russia and Belarus military exercises commenced today near our borders.
Mr President,
The international response to the violation of the sovereign airspace of Poland has been swift, clear, and united. Russia’s actions have been unequivocally condemned. And we urge that Russia fully respects the UN Charter. And we urge that Russia stops the violation of European airspace. That it stops the violation of international borders.
The UN Charter is also clear that countries have “an inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs”. And we will exercise this sovereign right and collective right to defend ourselves against any attacks.
Mr President,
The violation of Poland’s airspace is yet another call to international community to remain vigilant. This also shows why we, the neighbours of Russia and Belarus, are the staunchest supporters of Ukraine. Our, European, and global security is tied to the security of Ukraine.
We all want peace in our neighbourhood and along our borders. And Ukrainians want peace the most, as they are under constant attack and experience daily atrocities.
Today’s meeting unfortunately draws the same conclusions as during the Security Council meeting we had two weeks ago on Ukraine:
These Russian actions are not of a country that seeks peace.
Allow me to ask a question. A rhetorical one. How has Russia reacted to the global call towards a just and lasting peace? What signals has Russia been sending while everyone is calling for a full and unconditional ceasefire?
Let me point out just a few atrocities that have happened since the last time we met in this Chamber:
- two Russian missiles hit and killed members of a Danish humanitarian demining team in Chernihiv region;
- Russia launched the largest aerial assault on Ukrainian cities with over 800 drones and missiles. It hit the Ukrainian government building with a missile;
- A Russian glide bomb killed more than twenty people, mostly elderly waiting in line for their monthly pensions in Donetsk region.
Are these actions indicating any readiness to stop the war and the killing of civilians? I don’t think the answer is unclear.
The violation of Poland’s airspace is yet another escalation. Another violation of international law that Russia has made excuses for, without changing action. This only strengthens our resolute support to Ukraine – its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
We call on the Security Council to fulfil its role – the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in accordance with the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations.
Russia must be stopped. It only understands peace, if it is delivered through strength. And we are united both in support of Ukraine and the defence and security of our nations and our allies.
Thank you!