Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed grave concerns about the potential escalation of Russian aggression beyond Ukraine. At the UN General Assembly in New York, Zelensky warned that unless allies present a united front and significantly increase their support, Russia's ongoing military campaign could not only threaten Ukraine but also pose risks to other nations.
Zelensky articulated the urgency of the situation, stating that Vladimir Putin will keep driving the war forward wider and deeper without resistance. He emphasized the reality of a global arms race fueled by advancing military technology, remarking that weapons decide who survives and advocating for international regulations to manage artificial intelligence in warfare.
His remarks come in the wake of a notable shift in rhetoric from the United States, where President Trump indicated for the first time that Ukraine could fully reclaim its territories.
Zelensky criticized international institutions, labeling them too weak to provide adequate safety guarantees for Ukraine, and noted that simply being part of a military alliance like NATO does not ensure security. He underlined the current arms race as the most destructive in modern history, urging that stopping Russia now would be more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of its unchecked military ambitions.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Moldova, which borders Ukraine and Romania, Zelensky cautioned that losing Moldova to Russian influence would be detrimental. He also described how the West had previously missed opportunities to assist Georgia and Belarus in resisting Russia.
On the international stage, recent events have escalated tensions, with incidents involving Russian aircraft breaching the airspace of NATO countries such as Estonia and Romania.
In closing, Zelensky commended the evolving stance of US leadership under President Trump, indicating a positive dialogue regarding future security guarantees for Ukraine post-conflict. He hinted that increased military assistance could be part of future agreements, including advanced weaponry and defense systems.
