Following the Russian incursion into Polish airspace on the night of 9 September, the Security Council held an emergency briefing today. Slovenia supported the call for the meeting as a sign of firm solidarity with Poland and its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Ambassador Samuel Žbogar strongly condemned Russia’s violation of Polish and NATO airspace, calling it unacceptable.

“Let us be clear: such mistakes do not happen. They are not incidents; they are aggressive and dangerous acts,“ emphasized the Ambassador, expressing concern over the situation in the region. This was the first time Russian drones have been downed over the territory of a NATO member during the war in Ukraine.

“Europe is deeply alarmed,” he added, noting that Russia’s escalatory actions are a direct threat not only to the security of EU citizens but also to wider regional stability, and international peace and security.

Sadly, the incident comes at a time when some hopes had emerged for renewed prospects for peace in Ukraine. Now again the war seems no closer to ending than it did before the Alaska meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump. “We are witnessing attacks on civilians and infrastructure, including diplomatic premises and government buildings, at scales not seen since the start of the war,” underlined Ambassador Žbogar.

In closing, Slovenia once again called on the Russian Federation to cease its reckless behavior, commit to an immediate ceasefire, and engage in serious and meaningful peace negotiations.

Before the meeting, 48 UN Member States and the EU Delegation, including Slovenia, expressed in a joint statement grave concern over the flagrant violation of the UN Charter and international law by the Russian Federation, this time through the violation of Polish airspace. On the initiative of Poland, these 48 countries and the EU Delegation called on Russia to cease its war of aggression against Ukraine and desist from further provocations against neighboring states.

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