New York, Sept 25 (V7N) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday warned world leaders that international institutions are “too weak” to prevent wars, urging more countries to join Ukraine’s security coalition and increase pressure on Russia.
 
“No one but ourselves can guarantee security,” Zelenskyy said. “Only strong alliances. Only strong partners. And only our own weapons.” He emphasized that international law is ineffective without the support of “powerful friends” and, ultimately, military strength.
 
“Those with weapons decide who survives,” he added, calling it a “terrible” but unavoidable reality. Zelenskyy stressed that while Ukrainians are peaceful, they are committed to living freely in their independent country, and for many nations, investing in defense is the only remaining option.
 
He cited conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, and Palestine as evidence of a global system unable to prevent bloodshed or provide solutions. “That’s how weak these institutions have become,” he said, criticizing decades of ineffectiveness marked only by “statements and statements.”
 
Turning to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, Zelenskyy warned of the use of chemical weapons and famine as instruments of war, the abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children, and continued attacks near Europe’s largest nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhia. “Yesterday, the plant went into blackout again,” he said, highlighting the heightened risk of a nuclear disaster.
 
He also noted recent Russian drone and fighter jet incursions into Poland and Estonia, and interference in neighboring Moldova, stressing, “Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova. Supporting its stability is not costly, but failing to do so would be far more expensive.”
 
Zelenskyy cautioned that weak international responses are accelerating a global arms race, now intensified by artificial intelligence. “We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history because this time, it includes artificial intelligence. We need global rules now for how AI can be used in weapons. This is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.”
 
The president highlighted Ukraine’s development of attack and sea drones, which have successfully countered the Russian navy in the Black Sea and targeted strategic bombers. “None of this would have happened if [Russian President Vladimir] Putin had not initiated full-scale aggression,” he said.
 
He urged nations to act collectively to end the war. “Stopping this war now and within the global arms race is cheaper than building underground kindergartens or massive bunkers for critical infrastructure later. Stopping Russia now is cheaper than wondering who will be the first to create a drone carrying a nuclear warhead.”
 
Zelenskyy noted that more than 40 countries are already part of Ukraine’s security coalition and called for broader international support. “Do not stay silent while Russia continues this war. Please speak out and condemn it. Please join us in defending life and international law and order. People are waiting for action.”
 
END/WD/AJ/