Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed global leaders on September 24, 2025, during the annual high-level meeting of the U.N. General Assembly, emphasizing that the world is currently engaged in "the most destructive arms race in human history." He stressed the urgency for the international community to act against Russia, indicating that President Vladimir Putin aims to expand his conflict in Europe.
Presenting a grim assessment of global conditions, Zelenskyy pointed out that weak international institutions, including the United Nations, have failed to prevent wars in various regions, such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. He argued that international law is ineffective in ensuring the survival of nations, declaring, "Weapons decide who survives." He asserted that beyond friendships, there are no real security guarantees without military power.
In his speech, Zelenskyy reflected on his recent meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed his support for Ukraine and served as a critic of Russia’s actions. Trump stated his belief that Ukraine could reclaim all territory lost to Russia, marking a significant shift from his previous stance advocating concessions to end the conflict that initiated with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Zelenskyy, while not addressing the shift directly, deemed his meetings with Trump and various leaders as “good” and noted the need for unified action against Russia.
The Ukrainian president warned the assembly that if Putin is not halted promptly, his ambitions will cause the conflict to widen and deepen, stating, "Ukraine is only the first," and signaled a warning about the spread of Russian military operations across Europe. Additionally, Zelenskyy highlighted the situation in neighboring Moldova, suggesting that the country is at risk of falling under Russian influence, a fate already affecting Georgia and Belarus. He stressed the importance of providing Moldova with financial and energy support rather than empty political gestures.
Zelenskyy raised concerns regarding the rapid evolution of weaponry, particularly drones, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He noted, "Weapons and especially drones are evolving faster than our ability to defend ourselves," indicating that the proliferation of drone technology poses significant threats even to advanced nations. He recalled instances where European airports were shut down due to drone-related issues and mentioned North Korea's recent testing of a tactical drone, underscoring the potential for even less resourceful nations to create perilous weaponry.
Moreover, Zelenskyy warned that the current arms race, now incorporating artificial intelligence technology, intensifies the threat landscape. He explained that private companies are developing drones capable of targeting each other autonomously, presenting a future danger where such machines could operate without human intervention. He echoed U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for global regulations concerning the use of AI in weaponry, claiming that this need is as pressing as efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.
The president emphasized that taking action against Putin is more economically viable than the alternative of fortifying every port, airport, and ship against drone strikes, as Ukraine has been compelled to build underground facilities to safeguard its citizens. He asserted, "Stopping Russia now is cheaper than wondering who will be the first to create a simple drone carrying a nuclear warhead." Zelenskyy called for a collective effort to compel aggressors to cease hostilities, asserting this is the only way to prevent catastrophic outcomes from the ongoing arms race.
Finally, Zelenskyy remarked on Ukraine's development of a new security architecture, noting that over 30 countries are part of its coalition. He highlighted that Ukraine is now prepared to export arms, emphasizing that these systems have been tested in real combat situations where traditional international measures have failed.
