Mr. Chair,
Norway aligns with the statement of the European Union. Allow me however to make a short remark in my national capacity.
Norway stands in full solidarity with Estonia. Norway aligns itself fully with NATO’s united position. We strongly condemn all of Russia’s recent violations of Allied airspace, including against Poland and Romania. This is irresponsible and unacceptable conduct over the sovereign territory of NATO Allies, and it occurs in an already grave security environment.
On Tuesday, NATO Allies issued a clear and united statement underscoring Russia’s responsibility for these actions. The statement also noted that further countries, including Norway, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania, have experienced similar violations.
Norway has itself faced three Russian airspace violations this year – after a decade without such incidents. Two occurred northeast of Vardø, involving Russian fighter jets, and one along our land border in Finnmark, involving a Russian aircraft crossing for several minutes. While less grave than the violations over Estonia, Poland and Romania, they remain serious. Each lasted from one to four minutes, and regardless of whether they were intentional or the result of navigational error, they are not acceptable.
We call on Russia to cease such actions immediately, and to conduct its military activities responsibly.
Thank you.