At the 80th United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a speech warning the world about the dangers posed by the escalating arms race. In his speech, Zelenskyy stressed that the threat from increasingly advanced weapons, including autonomous drones and nuclear weapons, could spark large-scale conflict that threatens not only Ukraine but also other European countries and the world. The President of Ukraine emphasized that his country is now at the forefront of this growing conflict.
The Threat of the Arms Race and Its Impact on Global Security
Zelenskyy not only spoke about the threat from Russia, which continues its aggression against Ukraine, but also warned about the failure of the international system to address the rising tensions. In his impactful speech, he stated that the world is in the most destructive arms race in human history. As a country directly affected by the war, Ukraine now serves as a witness to the increasingly alarming escalation, from the use of advanced military drones to the potential spread of nuclear weapons.
During his address, Zelenskyy pointed out that large countries like Russia, which are intensifying their military buildup, threaten not only Ukraine but also neighboring countries in Europe. He added that if the world does not take decisive action, a major war could occur, impacting not only Ukraine but also the political stability of the global community.
International Response and Ukraine’s Strategy
Zelenskyy’s speech attracted significant attention from the international community, particularly the United States. President Donald Trump expressed his belief that Ukraine could reclaim all the territories lost to Russian aggression, marking a shift in the U.S. stance, which had previously supported more concessions from Ukraine to end the war. Trump also emphasized the importance of confronting Russia with stronger international power to ensure the security of the European region.
Zelenskyy also highlighted the importance of the role of allied countries in supporting Ukraine to bolster its defense capabilities. NATO member countries and European allies are urged to continue strengthening cooperation by providing more advanced defense systems and anticipating further aggression. Ukraine, which has received support in the form of weapons and military equipment from its allies, is now seeking to enhance its military capacity to withstand the possibility of a larger escalation.
However, in his speech, Zelenskyy not only spoke about military conflict but also about the growing global injustice in handling humanitarian crises. He pointed to several ongoing conflicts, such as in Sudan, Somalia, and Syria, as examples of the international system’s failure to maintain peace. This speech also emphasized the need for reform within international organizations to enable more effective responses to current global challenges.
Global Change Efforts and International Reform
Moreover, Zelenskyy criticized the inability of international organizations, particularly the United Nations, to address the threats posed by large nations disregarding international law. He suggested that the UN and other international organizations undergo reform in their structures and decision-making processes to ensure quicker and more decisive responses to acts of aggression. This is necessary to prevent more countries from being dragged into large-scale conflicts that not only cause destruction but also worsen the global economic and social situation.
As a concrete step, Ukraine decided to export several proven weapon systems to its allies, hoping to strengthen collective defense and prevent further escalation. This shows that Ukraine is not only relying on international support but also working to enhance its military capabilities independently.
In conclusion, Zelenskyy’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly highlighted not only Ukraine’s increasingly difficult situation but also the challenges the world faces in maintaining peace and global stability. All parties are expected to play an active role in creating more effective solutions to the current arms race that is sweeping the world.
Zelenskyy concluded his speech with the hope that the international community would take the issue seriously and urged all countries to collaborate in maintaining world peace.
The global arms race is a real threat that must be addressed immediately by all nations. If not, the consequences of this rising tension could lead to a major war that would not only harm Ukraine but also the overall stability of the world. Therefore, closer global cooperation is required to prevent further escalation. Read related articles about international policies on war at Olam News.
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