“The UN high-level week brings representatives from countries around the world together in New York. It gives Estonia an opportunity to engage with countries both near and far on Estonia’s security, supporting Ukraine, increasing pressure on Russia and making the UN more effective,” Tsahkna said.
According to Tsahkna, Russia’s continuing aggression against Ukraine is a test for the entire international system.
“By continuing its terror against Ukraine every day, Russia is demonstrating that it is interested in continuing its aggression, not ending the war. There is no magic solution to change this. The only path to a just and lasting peace is stronger support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia,” the Foreign Minister said.
“During UN high-level week, we will also call on countries beyond Europe to support Ukraine, because we are convinced that if Russia succeeds in changing national borders by force in Ukraine without facing consequences, the world will become more uncertain and less secure for everyone,” Tsahkna said.
In this context, Estonia considers it important to take steps to enable the UN to defend the principles enshrined in its Charter more effectively.
“Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is blatantly violating the principles of the UN Charter through its aggression, while at the same time using its veto to prevent the Security Council from responding to those violations,” Tsahkna said. “Together with our partners, Estonia wants to establish a practice whereby a state that has launched an act of aggression cannot use its veto to block decisions concerning its own aggression,” Tsahkna said, highlighting a concrete step towards strengthening the UN’s credibility and effectiveness.
During UN high-level week, the Foreign Minister will take part in various high-level meetings and discussions and hold numerous bilateral meetings.
