Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a serious warning regarding Russian hostility during his speech at the United Nations.
The President of Ukraine addressed the assembly as Russian forces persist in their unlawful invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized the threat to broader European security posed by Russian actions.
This address occurs amidst a series of minor intrusions by Russian aircraft and drones into European airspace, affecting NATO member countries like Poland.
Recently, Poland’s airspace has experienced about 20 incursions by Russian drones, and three Russian MiG-31 jets have breached Estonian airspace.
NATO’s principles dictate that an attack on one member state is considered an attack on all, requiring collective response.
In his speech, Zelenskyy urged for stronger initiatives to bolster European security as Russia increasingly challenges territories beyond Ukraine.
He stated, “Putin will keep driving the war forward, wider and deeper.
“We told you before: Ukraine is only the first. Now, Russian drones are already flying across Europe, and Russian operations are already spreading across countries.
“Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it, and no one can feel safe right now.”
Zelenskyy also cautioned about advancements in technology since the invasion, particularly AI-powered drones.
“We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history,” said Zelenskyy.
“Weapons move fast. Now, companies are already working on drones that can shoot down other drones, and it’s only a matter of time before drones are fighting drones, attacking critical infrastructure, and targeting people all by themselves, fully autonomous and with no human involved, except the few who control AI systems.”
Zelenskyy highlighted the urgent need for international regulations on the use of AI in weaponry, likening it to nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
Wars have historically driven innovations in arms development, and this conflict has followed suit.
“Every year that this war goes on, weapons become even more deadly. And only Russia deserves to be blamed for this,” Zelenskyy warned.
He further stated: “We are ready to make our modern weapons become your modern security. We have decided to open up arms exports. And these are powerful systems tested in a real war when every international institution failed,” he noted.
During the UN General Assembly, global leaders also took the stage, including Syria’s Ahmed Al-Sharaa, marking the first appearance by a Syrian president in nearly six decades.