Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on world leaders to strengthen alliances and rally behind his country in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion. Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, Zelensky warned that Ukraine has no option but to fight to protect its sovereignty and survival.
The Ukrainian leader said international institutions had become too weak to stop wars and maintain global peace. “No one but we can guarantee security. Only strong alliances. Only strong partners. And only our own weapons,” Zelensky declared. He stressed that international law cannot function without the backing of powerful allies and credible military support.
Highlighting the gravity of the war, Zelensky accused Russia of deploying chemical weapons, weaponizing famine, abducting Ukrainian children, and endangering Europe with constant attacks around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. “Yesterday, the plant went into blackout again,” he noted, warning of potential catastrophe.
He also pointed to Russia’s drone and fighter jet incursions into Poland and Estonia, as well as interference in Moldova, urging Europe not to abandon its neighbors. “Supporting Moldova’s stability is not costly, but failing to do so would come at a much higher price,” he said.
The Ukrainian president also warned that weak global responses were fueling a dangerous arms race, now driven by artificial intelligence. “We are living through the most destructive arms race in human history because this time, it includes AI,” Zelensky said. He urged the world to create rules governing AI in warfare, comparing its urgency to preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s development of attack and sea drones was a necessity, enabling the country to push back Russia’s navy in the Black Sea and target strategic bombers. “None of this would have happened if President Vladimir Putin had not launched this full-scale aggression,” he said.
Calling for unity, Zelensky reminded the Assembly that over 40 countries had already joined Ukraine’s security coalition but insisted that broader support was needed. “Stopping this war now is cheaper than building underground bunkers for the future. Stopping Russia now is cheaper than wondering who will be the first to create a simple drone carrying a nuclear warhead,” he cautioned.
He concluded with an appeal for global solidarity: “Don’t stay silent while Russia drags this war on. Please speak out and condemn it. Please join us in defending life, international law, and global order. People are waiting for action.”
