Zelensky Warns UN of AI-Driven Arms Race, Urges Action Against Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told world leaders Wednesday that the globe is facing “the most destructive arms race in human history” and urged immediate action to stop Russia, warning that Vladimir Putin aims to expand his war beyond Ukraine.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Zelensky said international institutions had failed to prevent conflicts from Ukraine to Gaza and Sudan. “Weapons decide who survives,” he declared, stressing that security now rests only on alliances and arms.

The speech came a day after Zelensky met U.S. President Donald Trump, who unexpectedly voiced confidence Ukraine could reclaim all lost territory from Russia. Zelensky described the talks as “good” but did not comment on the shift.

He cautioned that Russian drones are already crossing European skies, raised alarms over Moldova’s vulnerability, and warned that AI-powered drones risk turning battlefields fully autonomous. “This is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons,” he said, echoing UN chief António Guterres.

Stopping Putin now, Zelensky argued, would be far cheaper than defending every port, school, and hospital from drone warfare. He also announced Ukraine’s move to open arms exports, saying its combat-tested systems are now part of a 30-nation security coalition.