Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used his speech at the United Nations General Assembly to urge world leaders to confront Russian aggression before it escalates into a global crisis. Speaking in New York, he asked delegates whether their countries had underground schools and bunkers like those built across Ukraine, stressing that “stopping Putin now is cheaper” than defending ports, ships, and skies later.
Zelensky warned that Ukraine does not possess “the big fat missiles dictators love to show off,” but has been forced to build drones to defend its right to exist. Highlighting Russian incursions into Polish and Estonian airspace, as well as pressure on Moldova, he argued that even NATO membership is no guarantee of safety.
The Ukrainian leader said the world is witnessing “the most destructive arms race in human history,” fuelled by artificial intelligence and drone warfare. Tens of thousands of people now know how to weaponise drones, he cautioned, raising the prospect of autonomous machines fighting each other in future conflicts.
Calling for global rules on AI and stronger support for vulnerable nations, Zelensky concluded that peace is everyone’s responsibility. “If a nation wants peace, it must act,” he told the Assembly.
