President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine delivered a powerful and urgent message at the United Nations General Assembly, appealing for increased military aid to sustain his nation’s fight against Russia. His address emphasized that the world is entering a perilous new era of military technology, a warning that resonated particularly after former President Trump’s recent shift in tone, signaling renewed backing for Kyiv in its protracted war with Russia. Zelensky stressed that freedom cannot be defended without adequate weaponry, even as he critiqued international institutions for perceived inaction.
He warned that the unchecked rise of artificial intelligence poses new, unprecedented dangers, potentially enabling terrorists or states to deploy nuclear devices. “We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history,” Zelensky declared, urging global leaders to act now. He argued it would be “cheaper” to end the current conflict than to face future, more sophisticated threats. This strong emphasis on military solutions stood in stark contrast to the U.N.’s core principles of dialogue and diplomacy.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian also made a closely watched appearance, his first on the global stage since a brief, intense 12-day conflict with Israel and a U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Pezeshkian firmly stated that Iran “has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb,” echoing his supreme leader’s recent comments. He portrayed Iran as a victim of aggression and criticized European nations for threatening new snapback sanctions through the Security Council, a move he believes undermines diplomatic efforts. However, his speech offered little concrete strategy for resolving the ongoing standoff over Iran’s nuclear program.
Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Shara, also debuted at the Assembly, marking the first time a Syrian leader addressed the body since 1967. Having led opposition forces that overthrew the Assad family, al-Shara is expected to detail his domestic policies concerning ethnic and tribal violence, and his foreign policy outlook on Israel and the West. In a related meeting, he expressed openness to a security agreement with Israel, but cautioned against Israeli expansionist plans and aggressive military actions, stating, “Syria will not pose a threat to any country, including Israel. The real risk comes from continued airspace violations and provocations.”
Beyond the immediate conflicts, artificial intelligence and climate change emerged as critical themes. The Security Council convened to discuss the threat of AI to global peace and stability, a concern amplified by Zelensky’s warnings about its military applications. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres advocated for a global watchdog to regulate AI technology. Separately, Guterres hosted a climate summit where member states prepared to announce their 2035 emissions-reduction targets ahead of the COP30 conference. Despite former President Trump’s continued skepticism regarding climate action, a top E.U. official confirmed that global efforts, including those of the 27-country European bloc, are pressing forward, albeit with internal debates on specific targets.
In another notable address, President José Raúl Mulino of Panama briefly defended his nation’s control of the Panama Canal, reaffirming its neutrality as a “global public good.” This statement came as an implicit response to earlier threats from former President Trump about a potential U.S. retaking of the canal.
Following Trump’s surprising declaration that Ukraine “could win” the war and reclaim all lost territory, Ukrainians reacted with a mix of gratitude and cautious skepticism. President Zelensky himself admitted he was “a little bit” surprised by the strength of Trump’s statement, contrasting it with previous instances where Trump suggested Ukraine cede land for peace. Despite recent territorial gains by Ukraine, commanders continue to highlight their disadvantage in manpower and weaponry. Zelensky emphasized the importance of a “backstop” from the United States, acknowledging that international promises, like the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, can prove unreliable.