Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a visit to the graves of fallen Ukrainian servicemen at Lychakiv Military Cemetery in Lviv, May 9, 2025. Getty Images/Les Kasyanov/Global Images
According to YouTube
The head of Ukrainian diplomacy Andriy Sibiga voiced his position on violations of Estonia’s airspace by planes of the Russian Armed Forces. He stated that such threats must be neutralized immediately. The comment came during a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York on September 22: according to Sibiga, about two weeks earlier the Security Council was convened at Poland’s request regarding the incursion of Russian drones, and now three Russian aircraft violated Estonia’s airspace. In his words, the question of next provocateurs is a matter of time and security in Europe, which requires urgent steps.
It must be neutralized. We reaffirm our readiness to integrate air defense. This is our European sky – over Ukraine and other European countries. This is our shared space of security. And we must have a common sky shield to protect us all. Ukraine is the only country in the world that counters regular mass aerial attacks involving more than five hundred drones and missiles. We are ready to share our experience and unite our efforts
– Andriy Sibiga
should not be accompanied – neither for twelve minutes, nor for a single minute
– Andriy Sibiga
According to press releases, on September 19 three Russian aircraft spent 12 minutes in Estonia’s airspace. Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called this a violation of territorial integrity and of the principles of the UN Charter, which enshrine restraint from the use of force. On September 21, Estonia convened an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over this incident.
The events underscore the need to strengthen coordination between the European Union and NATO to safeguard the Baltic airspace and neighboring regions. The importance of a common sky shield over Europe is also growing, enabling rapid response to provocations and reducing risks to civilians.
Conclusions on regional security
In the context of increasing activity in the airspace, it is important to strengthen intergovernmental dialogue, develop joint defense capabilities, and increase data sharing among allies. Strengthening Europe’s air shield requires coordinated actions by the EU and NATO, as well as rapid responses to any violations of neighboring countries’ sovereignty. This approach will help reduce risks and ensure stability in the region.
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