During a UN General Assembly critical session, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, emphasized that the uncontained defiant moves in Ukraine might lead to consequences outside Ukraine – destabilizing global order and breaching the international rule of law. Zelenskyy, speaking in front of politicians and diplomats in New York, had to picture a world where conflicts became unilateral and global order institutions that defuse conflicts became obsolete to the point that world leaders didn’t even try to intervene. He stated that no one can “guarantee security,” strengthening the argument that Ukraine was fighting the battle of order, not just of itself.
A climate of ever-growing frustration with the world over the indiscriminate use of arms
Zelenskyy pointed out chemical weapons, famine, and the thousands of abducted children. The world is particularly on edge because a day before the address, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant experienced a blackout.
Zelenskyy also spoke of Russia’s global discontent through incidents with Russian battle drones and fighter jets that directly enter the territories of Poland and Estonia, and Russia’s interference in the domestic matters of Moldova. He warned that Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova, and that keeping the country stable is a “low-cost investment” compared to the cost of not doing so.
“Stopping this war now and within the global arms race is cheaper than building underground kindergartens or massive bunkers for critical infrastructure later.”
Violent conflict now and in the future must have internationally agreed and negotiated limits. The threat of Unabomber-style unpredictability must be managed to the same level as the nuclear threat.
AI integration and its effects on the Russian military in focus
Missions using AI-integrated guns crafted domestically have changed the conflict in the Black Sea and pushed back the Russian military. These innovations as self-defense mechanisms are an indication of planned military conflict by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and the need for war to be globally sanctioned by all nations to be rapidly stopped. Zelenskyy noted that it is militarily and economically cheaper to stop the war now compared to the future cost of building a fortified infrastructure.
Globally, the arms race is now dominated by artificial intelligence, he stated:
“We are currently in the most destructive arms race in history and this time it is driven by artificial intelligence.”
He emphasized the need for countries to work together in trying to end the war.
The expectation was that the focus would now shift to supporting Ukraine. If 40 countries already support the coalition and countries are currently aligned militarily with the coalition, it must condemn the aggression and strengthen the coalition instead. When Zelenskyy said they must speak out and condemn it, he was not requesting action; he made it clear that it is an expectation for action to be taken.
“Please help us defend life and international law and order.”
Leaders’ concerns about the loss of multilateralism and growing authoritarianism
During the live coverage of the UN General Assembly, Zelenskyy’s concerns were noted. These included the implications of the conflict and the possible consequences of allowing Russia to act without consequence. He said that other aggressors would be encouraged, and that areas well beyond Eastern Europe would be destabilized. His comments were part of a greater theme at UNGA that included
Zelenskyy’s speech serves as a reminder that the war in Ukraine is not an isolated conflict. It is a demonstration to the international community that the world have the will to uphold peace, defend sovereignty, and stop the spread of violence. “People are waiting for action.” The final question is, will the world powers answer the call for action?