UN says violation of sovereign countries' airspace unacceptable

HAMILTON, Canada

The UN on Monday voiced alarm over rising regional tensions after Estonia accused Russia of violating its airspace, saying: "Violations of sovereign countries' airspace are unacceptable."

Citing reports by Estonia, which accused Russia on Friday of violating its airspace after three MiG-31 fighter jets entered its skies without permission for nearly 12 minutes, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas Miroslav Jenca, at an emergency session of the Security Council, stated the UN is "not in a position to confirm any of the claims made regarding the incident."

"This series of recent incidents further underscores the already high tensions that endanger European security as the war continues to rage in Ukraine," he said, stressing: "Violations of sovereign countries' airspace are unacceptable."

He urged all relevant parties to "act responsibly," and "to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and prevent further risks to regional security."

"The world simply cannot afford such danger to spiral out of control, and for the devastating war in Ukraine to further escalate and expand," he said.

Citing Ukrainian sources, Jenca also reported that "Russia launched more than 1,500 attack drones, 1,280 guided aerial bombs and 50 missiles of various types" during the past week.

"More casualties were also reported over the weekend in the Belgorod region of the Russian Federation, where, according to local officials, two civilians were reportedly killed and four injured as a result of Ukrainian shelling and drone attacks," he added.

Jenca also warned against the situation reaching "more dangerous levels" and noted the need for diplomatic efforts for peace amid "the continuing trend of intensifying, widespread attacks."

"The United Nations remains ready to support all meaningful efforts to this end," he said.