President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine used his address at the United Nations General Assembly to make a passionate appeal for more military aid to continue the fight against Russia. His powerful call to arms also included stark warnings about the world entering a dangerous new era in military technology. This address came just one day after former President Trump indicated a renewed, albeit surprising, backing for Kyiv in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Highlighting recent Russian drone incursions into Polish and Estonian airspace, which have significantly escalated tensions between Europe and Russia, Mr. Zelensky underscored the critical need for advanced weaponry. He cautioned that these technologies are evolving at an alarming pace, threatening all nations. Specifically, he raised concerns that drones could one day be used by terrorists or states to deliver nuclear devices, and that the unchecked development of artificial intelligence poses entirely new and unforeseen dangers.
“We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history,” Mr. Zelensky declared.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian also spoke, just three months after his country was involved in an intense 12-day conflict with Israel, which concluded with a U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. President Pezeshkian presented Iran as a victim of military aggression, firmly stating that his country “has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb.” This statement reiterated previous comments made by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.
Additional Key Developments from the U.N. General Assembly:
- Ukraine War: President Zelensky’s address followed a significant shift in stance from former President Trump, who suggested Ukraine could reclaim all lost territory. This turnaround comes as Europe remains on high alert following Russian military airspace violations in NATO member states Romania, Poland, and Estonia.
- Nuclear Diplomacy with Iran: Facing the possibility of new U.N. sanctions this week if nuclear negotiations with Britain, France, and Germany fail, President Pezeshkian’s speech offered little clarity on Iran’s strategy to resolve its nuclear program standoff.
- Syria’s New Leader on the Global Stage: Ahmed al-Shara, Syria’s new president, made his first appearance at the Assembly since 1967. Having led the opposition forces that ended the Assad family’s decades-long rule, Mr. al-Shara is expected to outline his domestic policies on ethnic and tribal violence, as well as foreign relations concerning Israel and the West.
- Concerns Over A.I. in Warfare: The potential threat of unchecked artificial intelligence was a recurring theme, with Security Council members expressing fears of its military applications. Mr. Zelensky echoed these concerns, and U.N. Secretary-General Guterres advocated for a global watchdog to regulate A.I. technology.
- Climate Change Imperative: A climate summit, hosted by Mr. Guterres, will see U.N. member states present their national climate plans in preparation for the COP30 conference in Brazil this November, underscoring global warming as a key U.N. priority.
Panama Defends Canal Neutrality Amid U.S. Threats
President José Raúl Mulino of Panama took the podium to defend his nation’s control of the Panama Canal, seemingly in response to earlier threats from former President Trump about the United States potentially re-taking it. Mulino emphasized, “Neutrality is the best formula to safeguard security of our canal, a global public good. The Panama Canal is neutral, open to the world and a facilitator of a more integrated international trade. It is and shall remain Panamanian.”
Iran’s Nuclear Stance and Diplomatic Challenges
President Pezeshkian’s speech provided limited insight into Iran’s plan for resolving its nuclear program dispute with the U.S. and European nations. His remarks were largely rhetorical, framing Iran as a victim of recent conflicts with Israel and the United States, and he did not indicate any readiness to resume negotiations with Washington.
He reiterated Iran’s long-standing position that it “has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb,” echoing comments by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Pezeshkian also criticized European countries for pursuing snapback sanctions through the Security Council, arguing this action undermines diplomatic efforts.
President Masoud Pezeshkian’s first address to the U.N. General Assembly follows a brief but intense war with Israel and the United States. He condemned both countries for what he termed “a great betrayal of diplomacy” by attacking Iran during ongoing negotiations with Washington. Pezeshkian presented a booklet containing photographs and biographies of civilians reportedly killed by Israeli strikes in Iran.
Zelensky: War’s End is Cheaper Than Escalation
In his closing remarks, President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that ending the war in Ukraine now is the most cost-effective way to halt the rapid advancement of increasingly deadly and sophisticated weaponry. He argued that it is “cheaper” for nations to force an end to Russia’s invasion than to fund protective measures like underground school bunkers or develop defenses against advanced maritime drones.
He emphasized the urgency: “Rather than wait for a country to develop a drone that can deliver a nuclear weapon, it was cheaper to stop Russia now. If it takes weapons to do it, if it takes pressure to do it, then it must be done.”
Ukraine War Fuels New Arms Race, Zelensky Says
President Zelensky explicitly stated that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ignited a new global arms race. He warned that “weapons are evolving faster than our ability to defend ourselves,” and unequivocally placed the blame on Russia, stating, “Only Russia deserves to be blamed for this.”
Ukrainians Express Mixed Reactions to Trump’s Changed Stance on War
The long and arduous war in Ukraine has often seen drastic shifts in public sentiment, and former President Trump’s sudden reversal on Tuesday regarding the conflict’s outcome — suggesting Ukraine could win — was a significant turning point. Many Ukrainians struggled to fully process this dramatic shift.
Previously, Trump had urged Ukraine to accept a peace deal, even if it meant territorial losses. However, in a post on Truth Social, he now asserted that Ukraine could not only withstand Russia’s assault but also eventually reclaim all its lost territories. He depicted Russia’s economy as on the brink of collapse and its army as a “paper tiger.”
These comments were met with a mix of gratitude and cautious skepticism in Ukraine, reflecting past experiences. President Volodymyr Zelensky himself, while appreciative, admitted he was “a little bit” surprised by the strength of Trump’s statement. As the United States seemingly reduces its direct involvement, Mr. Zelensky understands the ongoing necessity of rallying international support. In his address to the United Nations General Assembly, he made a powerful call to arms, declaring, “The 21st century is hardly different from the last: A people who desire peace must work on armament. It is abnormal, but this is the reality — weapons decide who survives.”
He warned that the conflict in Ukraine would not be contained: “We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history.” He stressed that if world leaders fail to act decisively, the threat will intensify, leading to even greater costs in the future.
Ukrainian commentator Ostap Yarysh noted that “Trump’s statement on Ukraine yesterday was certainly the most favorable we’ve heard so far,” but cautioned that it was “too early to talk about a White House strategy overhaul or a radical shift in the president’s thinking.” Many Ukrainians seemed to dismiss Trump’s post, or joked about its potential to change again. Viktor Shlinchak, head of the Institute of World Policy, commented, “What happens next may be as written, or it may be the other way around.” Mykola Kniazhytsky, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, felt Trump’s statements offered “nothing new that could affect the end of the war,” specifically noting the lack of concrete proposals for U.S. military or economic assistance.
Moscow predictably dismissed Trump’s remarks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov stated, “Russia is more associated with a bear, and there are no paper bears.”
Just months prior, Trump had reportedly criticized Zelensky in the Oval Office, implying Ukraine had “no cards” to play. His public comments on the war have since varied significantly. A meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which broke years of diplomatic isolation, initially suggested Moscow had influenced his perspective, with Trump then insisting Ukraine would need to cede territory. However, after his recent meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Trump claimed a full understanding of the war’s military and economic dynamics, leading to his changed outlook. “I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form,” Trump posted, adding that Russia faced “BIG Economic trouble” and that it was “the time for Ukraine to act.”
The realism of Trump’s latest assessment of a Ukrainian victory remains uncertain. Ukrainian military commanders, including Zelensky, have previously stated that a purely military solution to reclaim the approximately 20 percent of Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia is unlikely without an unexpected Russian collapse. Trump himself now anticipates a prolonged conflict. Zelensky confirmed after their meeting that they discussed battlefield developments and that U.S. and Ukrainian intelligence assessments largely aligned. Before his New York trip, Zelensky reported Ukraine had recaptured about 360 square kilometers in September, a claim supported by military analysts. “It’s not a big victory, but it means we are not losing,” he told Fox News, emphasizing its importance.
Despite these gains, Russia’s superior personnel numbers give it an advantage in a war of attrition. While Ukrainian forces pushed back in some areas, Russian soldiers advanced elsewhere, occupying over 1,150 square miles of Ukrainian land this year, according to DeepState. Russia also drove Ukrainian forces out of its own Kursk region, though it failed to capture key Ukrainian strongholds like Pokrovsk.
Zelensky also argues that international sanctions, rising war costs, and Ukrainian strikes on fuel infrastructure are weakening Russia’s economy. This argument seemingly resonated with Trump, who mentioned Russia’s economic woes and gas station queues in his social media post. When the Kremlin invaded nearly four years ago, it expected a swift victory. Now, it believes a prolonged conflict favors Russia, relying on its large population, industrial capacity, and determination to win at any cost. From Moscow’s perspective, Zelensky’s openness to talks is a sign of weakness. Putin also believes his wartime economy can withstand the pressure. Although Russia’s economy is not “crashing” as Trump suggested, military spending has strained the budget, leading to a $50 billion deficit and proposals for tax increases to fund defense. Peskov, on Wednesday, denied severe economic troubles, citing Russia’s resilience. “There is an ongoing war,” Peskov admitted, a rare deviation from the Kremlin’s “special military operation” terminology. “We must win it.” While Ukrainian drone strikes have caused fuel shortages in parts of Russia, unemployment is low, and incomes have risen.
Trump’s current view may not last. Even with his shift in thinking, his administration has consistently indicated that it does not consider the war vital to America’s national security interests. Ukrainians have learned to be cautious of rhetoric without corresponding action. Zelensky, speaking before the U.N. Security Council, referenced the 1994 Budapest Memorandum’s failure, which guaranteed Ukraine’s security in exchange for nuclear disarmament, as proof that “international promises can turn into blabbering.” He added, “That is why today, with Britain, with France and already with more than 30 nations in our coalition of the willing, we are building a new security architecture. We count on the United States of America as a backstop.” An American “backstop” is likely the most Kyiv can hope for presently. Trump’s sign-off on his Truth Social statement, “Good luck to all!”, suggested he views himself as a bystander in the conflict.
Zelensky’s Call to Arms Contrasts U.N. Spirit of Diplomacy
President Zelensky’s strong call to arms, emphasizing weapons as the primary solution for conflict, sharply contrasts with the core mission of the General Assembly and the United Nations as a whole: promoting dialogue and diplomacy to resolve international disputes.
Zelensky Warns of AI Threat in Arms Race
President Zelensky issued a stark call to action, arguing that freedom requires weaponry and criticizing international institutions for their perceived inaction. He warned of the rapid evolution of war technologies, stating, “We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history.” He highlighted the growing threat posed by artificial intelligence and urged for regulations to govern the technology, emphasizing, “A few years from now may be too late.”
Zelensky: ‘Friends and Weapons’ Save Nations, Cites Gaza War
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine contended that international rules are ineffective, and a nation’s salvation in wartime lies solely in “friends and weapons.” He drew a parallel to the conflict in Gaza, noting its resemblance to Ukraine’s own situation.
Spain’s King Felipe VI Condemns Gaza Crisis at U.N., Calls for U.N. Defense
Spain’s King Felipe VI, the first leader to address the General Assembly, passionately defended the United Nations as “indefensible and irreplaceable.” King Felipe, whose country has been critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and recently imposed an arms embargo on Israel, spoke out against the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, citing famine, starvation, and forced displacements of Palestinians. He declared these actions “abhorrent acts that stand in stark contrast to everything that this forum represents. They offend human conscience and shame the entire international community.”
Syrian President Offers Security Deal with Israel, Warns Against Expansion
President Ahmed al-Shara of Syria indicated a willingness to pursue a security agreement with Israel but cautioned against any Israeli expansionist ambitions or aggressive military actions in the region. Speaking at a Middle East Institute gathering, he stated, “Any success in reaching a security agreement with Israel would pave the way toward peace, but there can be no peace through heavy-handed policies.” He assured that “Syria will not pose a threat to any country, including Israel,” but identified “continued airspace violations and provocations” as the real risks.
Global Climate Action Continues Despite Trump’s Repudiation, Says E.U. Official
Wopke Hoekstra, the European Union climate commissioner, stated that former President Trump’s dismissal of climate action has not deterred other nations, including the 27-country E.U. bloc, from pursuing their environmental ambitions. He expressed his concern and disapproval of the U.S. administration’s “checking out” on climate issues. He noted that other major economies are progressing with their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. This will be evident at the U.N. climate summit in New York City, where 118 countries are expected to announce their 2035 emissions-reduction goals under the Paris Agreement. While the E.U. is still finalizing its 2035 targets, Hoekstra emphasized that this is part of Europe’s democratic process and will be resolved before the COP30 climate conference in Brazil. He stressed that a democratic approach, even with delays, is superior to systems lacking ambition and legitimacy. This situation highlights the complex geopolitical tightrope European leaders walk, as they increasingly diverge from Washington on climate policy while remaining dependent on U.S. cooperation in other areas. The E.U. is also accelerating its ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports, which could benefit U.S. gas suppliers, and is wary of China’s dominance in clean energy technologies.
Zelensky Surprised by Trump’s Shift on Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed surprise at former President Trump’s recent shift in his stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine, noting that he now feels a “better relation than before” with Mr. Trump. Speaking in a Fox News interview, Zelensky referred to Trump’s social media post asserting that Ukraine could, with NATO and E.U. support, reclaim all lost territory. This was a significant departure from Trump’s earlier position, which reportedly favored Ukraine ceding land for peace. Zelensky suggested that President Vladimir Putin’s repeated dishonesty might have influenced Trump’s change of heart. French President Emmanuel Macron also acknowledged Trump’s comments at the U.N. General Assembly, expressing satisfaction that Trump believes Ukraine can not only endure but also prevail. Zelensky indicated that Trump’s changed view on land concessions could contribute to ending the war. The relationship between the two leaders has previously been tense, notably during a February Oval Office meeting where Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly criticized Zelensky. However, their recent meeting at the General Assembly saw Trump praising Zelensky as a “brave man” and acknowledging Ukraine’s fight as “pretty amazing.” Despite Trump’s positive shift, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s “very difficult position,” citing Russia’s continued territorial gains and the fact that Ukrainian forces are consistently outmanned and outgunned.
