Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asserted in his UN General Assembly address that President Vladimir Putin wants to expand his war in Europe.
Urging all UN member nations to condemn Russia while it “keeps dragging this war on,” the Ukrainian President warned that if Putin isn’t stopped now, he will keep driving the war forward, “wider and deeper.”
“Ukraine is only the first and now Russian drones are already flying across Europe, and Russian operations are already spreading across countries, and Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy told the annual high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly that weak international institutions including the United Nations haven’t been able to stop wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and elsewhere, and international law can’t help nations survive.
He said that weapons will make the difference in the war with Russia, not international law.
“If a nation wants peace, it still has to work on weapons. It’s sick, but that’s the reality. Not international law, not cooperation. Weapons decide who survives.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The statement comes as Ukraine faces hurdles to accessing approved US military aid. Zelenskyy also appeared to express frustration with the UN Security Council, where Russia is a permanent member and wields veto power. “International law doesn’t work fully, unless you have powerful friends who are truly willing to stand up for it,” he said.
“Last year, at this assembly, I warned the world about the risk of radiation disaster, especially due to Russia’s occupation of our Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the biggest in Europe – but nothing changed. And yesterday, the plant went into blackout again, and Russia hasn’t stopped shelling even in areas near nuclear facilities.
“And because international institutions are too weak, this madness continues. Even being part of a longstanding military alliance doesn’t automatically mean you are safe.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The Ukrainian President said that even being part of NATO didn’t prevent Russia from sending drones into Polish airspace and Russian fighter jets from entering Estonian airspace.
Also, Zelenskyy warned that Moldova is Russia’s next target.
The Ukrainian President’s statement comes after Moldova’s leader, Maia Sandu yesterday warned that the Kremlin is threatening the country’s independence with an alleged plot to stir domestic unrest.
Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria also continues to host Russian troops, long stoking concerns that Russia could invade the country of 2.3 million people.
Zelenskyy stated that Moldova is defending itself again from Russian interference. He said that Georgia is already being lost and becoming dependent on Russia, and so is Belarus.
“Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too. For Europe, supporting Moldova’s stability is not costly, but failing to do so will come at a much higher price. That’s why the EU needs to help Moldova now with funding and energy support, not just words or political gestures.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy Says World In Most Destructive Arms Race
Moreover, the Ukrainian leader warned of a new age of warfare, driven by inexpensive drones coupled with advanced technology like artificial intelligence (AI).
He warned that the world is now “living through the most destructive arms race in human history.”
Highlighting the use of artificial intelligence (AI), Zelenskyy said that there would be no “place left on Earth that’s still safe” if there are no “real security guarantees” and a strong platform for international security.
“We need global rules now for how AI can be used in weapons, and this is just as urgent as preventing the spread of real weapons, we need to restore international cooperation, real working cooperation for peace and for security.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He cautioned that a few years from now “might already be too late.”
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