Mr. President,

Twelve minutes.

Twelve minutes in which three Russian fighter jets brazenly ventured into Estonian airspace.

Twelve Minutes in which they made their way almost to the Estonian capital, to Talinn.

What happened early Friday morning marked a further dangerous escalation by Russia. The incursion came just over a week after more than 20 Russian drones had entered Polish airspace.

Once again, in Estonia, Russia violated, without any provocation, the territorial integrity of one of its neighbours and thus one of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.

We condemn this grave violation of international law. This is not the behavior of a state seeking to preserve global peace and security, but of one recklessly disregarding international norms.

Together with our partners, Germany stands firmly in solidarity with Estonia. We stand together against those who seek to use military coercion to undermine our sovereignty, freedom and solidarity.

The most recent alarming incidents bring to light two significant insights.

First: Russia’s ongoing aggression is not only directed against Ukraine and its people. Rather, in its reckless behavior, Russia poses a serious danger to regional security, as well as to global peace and stability.

Second: There were many initiatives for negotiations – most recently under the strong leadership of the United States.

Ukraine is ready to engage and has repeatedly offered an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Nonetheless Russia has repeatedly chosen not only to continue but to intensify its aggression.

This must end.

Let there be no doubt: Reckless provocations will not work. This is not just a problem for Russia´s immediate neighbors.

This is a problem for all of us, united here in our commitment to the UN Charter and its principles.

Germany stands for these principles. Russia does not.

We will not rest until a sustainable and just peace in Ukraine is achieved. A peace that is rooted in the principles of the UN Charter and negotiated with Ukraine sitting at the table.

An unconditional ceasefire is urgently needed – to stop the bloodshed and to lay the foundation to build trust for sincere negotiations.

The people of Ukraine, as well as the people of Estonia and Poland, just as the people of every country, have the right to live in peace and security.

It is our shared responsibility as UN member states to hold those accountable who endanger peace and security.

I thank you.