Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned world leaders of the international security risk posed by Russia if the war isn’t stopped at the United Nations National Assembly.
He said more countries are at risk of meeting Russia’s aggression unless allies display a united front and ramp up support.
“No one but ourselves can guarantee security,” he said.
“Only strong alliances. Only strong partners. And only our own weapons.”
Zelenskyy said only those with “weapons decide who survives”, calling it a “terrible” but unavoidable reality.
“Ukrainians are peaceful people, but they are people who want to live freely in their own independent country,” he said.
“That’s why we invest in defence. For many nations, there is simply no other way left.”
The Ukrainian President called upon nations to collectively act to end the war, saying that while 40 countries are already part of Ukraine’s coalition, they still need broader support.
“Stopping this war now and within the global arms race is cheaper than building underground kindergartens or massive bunkers for critical infrastructure later,” he said.
“Stopping Russia now is cheaper than wondering who will be the first to create a simple drone carrying a nuclear warhead.”
He also called for more global rules for how AI can be used in weapons.
“Dear leaders, we are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history because this time, it includes artificial intelligence,” he said.
“This is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.”
This comes after U.S. Donald Trump shifted his position on the Russia-Ukraine war and said for the first time that Ukraine could win back all of its land.
