“War Has Already Reached Too Many”: Zelenskyy Tells UN Only Arms and Alliances Can Stop Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a stark message to the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, arguing that hard power and reliable alliances, rather than institutions alone, determine a nation’s safety amid mounting global conflicts, according to a live transcript published by the Guardian on the same day.

Opening message: security depends on weapons and alliances

Zelenskyy began by warning that peace remains inseparable from military strength. “No one but ourselves can guarantee security. Only strong alliances, only strong partners and only our own weapons… Not international law, not cooperation – but weapons decide who survives,” he told world leaders. He underlined that the 21st century is not fundamentally different from the past: those who wish to secure peace must invest in arms.

Russia’s war in Ukraine

Addressing Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy stressed that fighting continues without a ceasefire because “Russia refuses.” He condemned the abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children, noting that some had been returned with international assistance but questioning “how long will it take to bring all of them” home.

He warned again of the risks of radiation disaster due to Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, saying: “Russia hasn’t stopped shelling, even in areas near a nuclear facility. And international institutions are too weak, this madness continues.”

Regional security threats

Zelenskyy cited recent security incidents in Poland, Romania and Estonia as evidence that NATO membership is not a guarantee of safety. He paid tribute to Moldova for resisting Russian interference, while warning that Europe has already “lost Georgia” and seen Belarus become dependent on Moscow.

“Moldova must not be lost,” he stressed, recalling that the world once failed to help Georgia after Russia’s 2008 war and ignored Belarus’s drift toward Russia.

Drones and new threats

The Ukrainian leader underlined the growing role of drones in global security. He referenced the temporary closure of Copenhagen airport caused by unmanned aircraft, saying: “Authorities couldn’t even say what kind of drones they were, who sent them or from where.” He warned that warfare technologies “don’t care about geography any more.”

The most destructive arms race in history

Zelenskyy described the current moment as “the most destructive arms race in human history, because this time it includes artificial intelligence.” He noted that Ukraine has been forced to build underground schools and hospitals, and to train farmers to shield equipment from drone strikes.

“Stopping this war now and within the global arms race is cheaper than building underground kindergartens or massive bunkers for critical infrastructure later,” he said, adding: “Stopping Putin now is cheaper than wondering who will be the force to create a simple drone carrying a nuclear warhead.”

Appeal for global action

He urged states to use “everything we have together to force the aggressor to stop,” warning that otherwise Russia would push the war “forward wider and deeper.” He stressed that if real security guarantees can be established for Ukraine, they could become a model making “national security not a privilege for a few nations, but a right for everyone.”

Russia’s trade partners and the need for pressure

Turning to Moscow’s economic ties, Zelenskyy argued that continuing to trade with Russia only sustains its aggression. “War has already reached too many people to pretend it has nothing to do with you. So it depends on you whether you help peace or continue trading with Russia and helping Russia to fund this war,” he said.

Closing appeal

Zelenskyy ended with a call for unity and action: “So don’t stay silent while Russia keeps dragging this war on. Please speak out and condemn it. Please join us in defending international law and order. People are waiting for action.”

Earlier, it was reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump used their UN General Assembly addresses to urge stronger action against Russia’s aggression and renew global focus on Ukraine’s defense needs.

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