Vladimir Putin will keep driving the war forward wider and deeper if he is not stopped, Ukraine's President Zelensky has warned.
Speaking at the UN's General Assembly in New York, Zelensky argued that more countries would encounter Russian aggression should allies fail to display a united front and increase support.
He pointed out that all nations face the threat of a global arms race, as military technology evolves, emphasizing that weapons decide who survives and advocated for establishing global rules on AI.
Zelensky's remarks follow a shift in the stance of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, who has stated for the first time that Ukraine could potentially reclaim all of its territories.
Zelensky took aim at international institutions, suggesting their inability to offer Ukraine safety promises; he noted that long-standing military alliances do not guarantee security.
An arms race is in full swing, he stated, asserting that halting Russia's expansion now would be more cost-effective than later facing advanced weapons capable of mass destruction.
He also warned against the potential loss of Moldova to Russian influence, arguing that Europe cannot afford to let this happen, especially given past missed opportunities to assist nations like Georgia and Belarus in resisting Russian sway.
His comments come amidst heightened tensions, highlighted by recent airspace violations by Russian aircraft, prompting calls for consultations among NATO members. Furthermore, Zelensky indicated that discussions with Trump included the possibility of increased U.S. security guarantees, with an emphasis on military support for Ukraine.
As the situation evolves, Zelensky's alarming reminders of Russia's potential aggressive expansions resonate through geopolitical discussions, emphasizing the urgent need for a collective response.
