NEW YORK, United States – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has told world leaders that only strong military alliances and their own weapons can guarantee his country’s security, declaring international institutions like the United Nations too weak to stop wars.
In a direct and sobering address to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, President Zelensky urged more nations to join a security coalition supporting Ukraine and to increase pressure on Russia, stating his country has no alternative but to fight for its sovereignty.
“No one but we can guarantee security. Only strong alliances. Only strong partners. And only our own weapons,” Zelensky stated, arguing that international law is ineffective without the backing of “powerful friends” and military force.
A Warning on Global Threats
The Ukrainian leader painted a picture of a deteriorating global security environment, pointing to ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, and Palestine as evidence of a failing system. “That’s how weak these institutions have become. For decades, just statements and statements,” he remarked.
He issued specific warnings about Russia’s tactics, including the alleged use of chemical weapons, the weaponization of famine, and the abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children. He also raised the alarm over the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, which he said suffered another blackout this week.
Zelensky highlighted recent Russian incursions into NATO airspace over Poland and Estonia, as well as interference in Moldova, warning that the cost of inaction is high. “Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova,” he said.
The AI Arms Race and a Plea for Action
A significant part of the speech focused on a new, dangerous dimension of modern warfare: artificial intelligence. Zelensky called the current situation “the most destructive arms race in human history” because it includes AI.
“We need global rules now for how AI can be used in weapons. And this is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons,” he urged.
While acknowledging that Ukraine has developed advanced drones out of necessity, which have pushed back the Russian navy, Zelensky asserted that none of it would have been necessary without Russian aggression.
He concluded with a plea for collective action, framing immediate support as a cost-effective measure for global security. “Stopping this war now… is cheaper than building underground kindergartens or massive bunkers later,” he argued.
Appealing directly to the assembly, he said, “Please speak out and condemn it. Please join us in defending life and international law and order. People are waiting for action.”
The appeal comes as Ukraine continues to defend against a full-scale invasion launched by Russia in February 2022.
