Zelenskyy addresses UNGA, warns of growing threats from Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a forceful address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, urging the international community to confront the escalating threats posed by Russia and the rapid evolution of modern weaponry.

Opening his speech, Zelenskyy emphasized shared aspirations for safety and peace, saying, “UN members want safety and peace just as much as we do.” Yet he warned that peace alone is insufficient without adequate defense, noting, “If a nation wants peace, it still has to work on weapons… weapons decide who survives.”

Zelenskyy painted a grim picture of ongoing violence in Ukraine. He blamed Russia for the lack of a ceasefire, citing the abduction of “thousands” of Ukrainian children and persistent shelling near nuclear facilities. He lamented the inadequacy of international institutions to halt the bloodshed, calling them “too weak” to prevent ongoing attacks.

Highlighting the risks beyond Ukraine, Zelenskyy stressed that NATO membership does not automatically ensure security. He referenced Russian incursions into Polish and Estonian airspace, including a recent episode where 19 Russian drones entered Poland, with only four intercepted. He also cited Estonia convening its first UN Security Council meeting over Russian attacks and warned that Moldova remains vulnerable to Russian influence.

“Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too,” he said, warning that failure to support the country with funding and energy would carry far higher costs than acting now. He added, “Russia's trying to do to Moldova what Iran once did to Lebanon and the global response again, not enough.”

Zelenskyy also addressed the rising threat of modern weaponry, citing recent high-profile attacks in the US, including the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk and the stabbing of Ukrainian woman Iryna Zarutska. He highlighted the proliferation of drones and autonomous weapons, saying tens of thousands have learned to use drones to kill because of Russia’s war.

“The world moves too slowly to protect itself. It’s only a matter of time before drones are fighting drones… all by themselves, fully autonomous,” he warned, calling the current era “the most destructive arms race in human history” and urging the establishment of “global rules” for AI in warfare.

Zelenskyy stressed Ukraine’s defensive approach, noting that the country lacks the large missiles Russia displays in parades, and that drones were built “to protect our right to life.” He praised the success of Ukraine’s limited fleet in the Black Sea and highlighted underground schools and bunkers that shield civilians.

“Do you have similar protection against threats in your country?” he asked the Assembly, underscoring the cost-effectiveness of stopping Russia now compared with the expense of a global arms race later.

Concluding his speech, Zelenskyy called on world leaders to act decisively to ensure the safe return of abducted children, the release of prisoners of war, and the protection of civilians. He thanked US President Donald Trump for his support following their recent meeting, but emphasized that lasting peace requires global cooperation.

“Don’t stay silent while Russia keeps dragging this war on, please speak out and condemn it. Slava Ukraini.”