Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking before leaders at the United Nations General Assembly, warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue to drive the war forward, with Ukraine being only the first target in Europe. Zelenskyy, who has been a vocal advocate for international support against Russian aggression in Ukraine since the conflict began over three-and-a-half years ago, reiterated that the only way to stop Putin’s expansion is through ‘friends and weapons,’ not international laws.
Zelenskyy’s address highlighted the growing concerns about the effectiveness of global institutions in preventing acts of war and authoritarianism. He pointed to the recent attacks on Ukraine as evidence of the failure of the rules-based order to maintain peace and security. ‘Putin will keep driving the war forward wider and deeper,’ he said. ‘And we told you before, Ukraine is only the first. And now, Russian drones are already flying across Europe.’
Zelenskyy also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, specifically the situation involving Israel’s hostages in Gaza, and called for increased international solidarity. He argued that international institutions are powerless to stop such conflicts, and that real action is needed in the form of support and military assistance. ‘In the end, peace depends on all of us, on the United Nations,’ he said. ‘So don’t stay silent while Russia keeps dragging this war on. Please speak out and condemn it. Please join us in defending life and international law and order,’ Zelenskyy added.