Statement by H.E. Ms. Melita Gabrič, Deputy Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, at the UNSC meeting on threats to international peace and security

Thank you, Mr. President.

I also want to thank Assistant Secretary-General Mr. Miroslav Jenča for your important contribution.

Excellences,

We are meeting here for the second time in just ten days due to the reckless behavior of the Russian Federation that poses a threat to international security.

Ten days ago, we discussed a drone incursion into Polish airspace—an incident involving more than 20 drones, making a significant escalation in scale and intensity. Today, we are addressing a new provocation:  Russian fighter jets incursion into Estonian airspace—an incident that was not merely momentary, but deliberate and dangerous.

Slovenia supported the call for this meeting, and we stand firmly and without reserve with Estonia, its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Excellences,

Let me say this in no uncertain terms: we condemn this escalation. At a time when tensions are already dangerously high, this is not the moment for military provocation. This is a high time for dialogue. A high time for diplomacy.

When we previously discussed the drone incursion into Poland, our Ambassador spoke of the growing unease with which we are witnessing such behavior across Europe. Let us be honest with ourselves, around this very table of the Security Council: these actions do not occur in a vacuum. They are unfolding as we are well in the fourth year of Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

These deliberate provocations are symptomatic of the time we live in—a time in which violations of international law are tolerated to an extent we have not seen in modern history. Slovenia says a clear and principled ‘no’ to such behavior, wherever it may occur and whoever may be the perpetrator.

If we can clearly say ‘no’ to Israeli atrocities committed in Gaza, to terrorist violence, we must not shy away from condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Excellences,

Let us also be clear on another matter: Europe wants peace. Europe wants a ceasefire, and we want to see the beginning of serious and meaningful peace negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation—as soon as possible.

Despite the best efforts by President Trump in Alaska, we still await a meaningful gesture from Russia—a sincere willingness to come to the negotiating table. And while we wait, Russia continues its escalatory behavior: intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities and endangering and intimidating civilians both in Ukraine and in its neighboring countries.

We hope the time is near when this Council will finally begin a principled and honest discussion about the war in Ukraine—and decide to take action.

Until then — and allow me to repeat this — Slovenia will stand firmly with Estonia, with Ukraine, and with any other member of this organization that needs protection from unlawful, Charter-violating actions by those who believe that might makes right.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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