Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed global leaders at the United Nations on September 20, 2023, warning of an escalating arms race that threatens international stability. He called for immediate action against Russia, emphasizing that President Vladimir Putin aims to expand his military aggression across Europe. Zelensky’s remarks came during the annual high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly, where he criticized the ineffectiveness of international institutions in halting conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and beyond.
Zelensky painted a grim picture of the current geopolitical landscape, stating, “Weapons decide who survives. There are no security guarantees except friends and weapons.” His statement highlights the urgent need for global cooperation to confront the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
In the days leading up to his speech, Zelensky met with former US President Donald Trump, who expressed support for Ukraine’s military efforts and criticized Moscow’s actions. Trump indicated that he believes Ukraine can regain all territory lost to Russia, marking a significant shift in US rhetoric towards the conflict. While Zelensky did not delve into the implications of this support, he stated he had “a good meeting” with Trump and other influential leaders.
Zelensky’s address underscored the necessity of collective action, urging UN member nations to condemn Russia for prolonging the war. He warned that if Putin is not stopped now, he will escalate his military operations further. “Ukraine is only the first,” he cautioned. “Russian drones are already flying across Europe, and Russian operations are spreading into other countries.”
Concerns regarding neighboring Moldova were also raised during his speech. Zelensky noted that Moldova is again facing Russian interference and should not be allowed to fall into a state of dependency, as seen with Georgia and Belarus. “Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova, too,” he asserted, highlighting the need for financial and energy support for the country.
The Ukrainian president emphasized the rapid evolution of weaponry since the invasion. He pointed out that the proliferation of drones has outpaced Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. “Now, there are tens of thousands of people who know how to professionally kill using drones,” he stated. He cited recent drone-related disruptions at European airports and North Korea’s testing of a new tactical drone as evidence of the growing threat posed by such technology.
Zelensky characterized the current state of global military competition as “the most destructive arms race in human history,” noting the involvement of artificial intelligence. He warned that companies are working on drones capable of autonomously engaging targets, potentially leading to conflicts where human oversight is minimal. Echoing the sentiments of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Zelensky called for urgent global regulations on the use of AI in weaponry, likening this need to the imperative of preventing nuclear proliferation.
Addressing the economic implications of the conflict, Zelensky argued that stopping Putin now would be less costly than attempting to defend every port and airport against drone attacks. “Stopping Russia now is cheaper than wondering who will be the first to create a simple drone carrying a nuclear warhead,” he stated. He urged the international community to unite in pressuring the aggressor to cease hostilities, emphasizing that this is crucial for averting a catastrophic outcome.
Zelensky concluded by highlighting Ukraine’s efforts to build a robust security architecture, stating that over 30 countries have joined its coalition. He announced that Ukraine is opening up for arms exports, with a focus on powerful systems that have been tested in real combat situations. “We must use everything we have together to force the aggressor to stop,” he implored.
As tensions continue to escalate, Zelensky’s address serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a unified global response to the challenges posed by Russia and the evolving nature of warfare.
