The countries of the United Nations must apply effective pressure on Russia so that the aggressor stops the war and the arms race that is putting the world at risk of catastrophe. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during the General Debate of the UN General Assembly in New York.
He emphasized that in today’s world, a state’s security can be guaranteed by strong alliances, reliable partners, and its own weapons.
“No Ukrainian chose this kind of reality. And knowing our people, they would have chosen a different priority. Ukrainians are peaceful people. But they are people who want to live – to live freely, in their own independent country. That’s why we invest in defense. For many nations, there is simply no other way left,” the Head of State noted.
The President noted that while international institutions demonstrate weakness, Russia continues its aggressive war against Ukraine and seeks to destabilize countries in Europe.
“Nations can speak about their pain from stages like this, but even during bloodshed, there isn’t a single international institution that can truly stop it. That’s how weak these institutions have become. What can Sudan, or Somalia, or Palestine, or any other people living through war, really expect from the UN or the global system? For decades, just statements and statements. And even everything happening in Gaza remains without a way out,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State stressed that a destructive arms race is underway worldwide with the use of artificial intelligence, creating a threat to all humanity.
“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. We need to restore international cooperation – real, working cooperation – for peace and for security,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The President stressed that Ukraine produces drones capable of flying 2–3 thousand kilometers and assisting in important land and sea operations. Ukraine has no choice but to build them to defend its right to life.
“Our “Spiderweb” operation, when cheap drones destroyed or damaged dozens of expensive Russian strategic bombers, became a real example for special forces around the world of what new weapons can do to old systems. These very Russian bombers attacked our cities,” he emphasized.
The Head of State stressed that every year that this war goes on, weapons become even more deadly, and Russia must be held accountable for its aggressive actions.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine spends significant resources on building shelters and protecting infrastructure from Russian strikes. The President is convinced: stopping Russia together today is far cheaper than waiting for the arms race to end in nuclear catastrophe.
“Stopping Putin now is cheaper than trying to protect every port and every ship from terrorists with sea drones. Stopping Russia now is cheaper than wondering who will be the first to create a simple drone carrying a nuclear warhead,” the Head of State added.
The President stressed that it is crucial to make maximum efforts to force the aggressor to stop – only then will there be a chance to avoid global catastrophe.
“If it takes weapons to do it, if it takes pressure on Russia – then it must be done. And it must be done now,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State noted that Ukraine, together with partners within the Coalition of the Willing, is building a new security architecture.
“We’re strengthening army, launching joint weapons production with partners, and defining financial commitments for defense – in a way that could become a security model for any other nation,” he added.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine exports weapons, plans to develop defense cooperation with partners and share real experience in using technology.
The President called on UN member states to condemn Russia’s aggression, defend lives, and uphold the international rule of law.
“It depends on you – whether you help peace or continue trading with Russia and helping Russia to fund this war. It depends on you – whether prisoners of war will be freed, whether abducted children will come home, whether hostages will be free. It depends on you – what will define existence: war – like now, or our joint strong actions – as it should be,” the Head of State concluded.
