Zelensky: “We are experiencing the most destructive arms race in human history”

In a powerful speech to the UN General Assembly in New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky painted a grim picture of the current global security situation. "We are witnessing the most destructive arms race in the history of humanity," he warned, according to AP , emphasizing that international institutions like the United Nations have so far failed to prevent conflicts like those in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, or Sudan. "Weapons decide who survives," Zelensky said, adding: "There are no guarantees of security except friends and weapons."

Zelensky criticized the weakness of international laws and institutions, which had failed to stop Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. He called on UN member states to unanimously condemn Russia and take measures to prevent the war from escalating.

He also warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to further escalate the war. "If Putin isn't stopped now, he will push the war further," he said, according to AP. Russian drones are already flying over Europe and expanding operations in other countries.

A central theme of his speech was the rapid development of drone technology, which is increasingly being used by countries with limited resources. "Used to be drones, drones were reserved only for large states. Today, there are tens of thousands of people who can kill professionally – with drones," Zelenskyy explained.

The combination of drone technology and artificial intelligence is particularly worrying. "Companies are already working on drones that can shoot down other drones. It's only a matter of time before autonomous drones attack critical infrastructure and people," Zelenskyy warned, according to the AP. He called for global rules on the use of AI in weapons systems, comparing their urgency to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

At the conclusion of his speech, Zelenskyy called on the international community to act together against Russia. "It is cheaper to stop Putin now than to have to protect every port, airport, and ship from drone attacks later," he said. Ukraine has already had to build schools and health centers underground to protect its citizens.