ISLAMABAD: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized international institutions and emphasized the decisive role of weapons in national survival during his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday.
President Zelensky is attending the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, held between September 23 and 29.
In his speech, he strongly criticized global institutions and international systems for their ineffectiveness in resolving conflicts, pointing to ongoing crises in Sudan, Somalia, Palestine, and Gaza, all trapped in prolonged violence despite repeated statements from international bodies.
Zelensky declared that it is not international law or cooperation, but weapons that determine who survives, stressing that international law is meaningless without powerful allies and military strength.
Criticism of Russia
Turning his focus to Russia, Zelensky condemned Moscow’s actions, accusing it of abducting “thousands of Ukrainian children.” He also warned of the ongoing threat posed by Russia’s occupation of Ukraine's nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe.
“Last year, I warned the world about the risk of radiation disasters due to Russia’s occupation,” he said, expressing frustration that “nothing’s changed,” even after the plant recently experienced a blackout.
The Ukrainian leader called for immediate and unified action to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that inaction risks a broader and more dangerous conflict.
As international institutions remain “too weak,” Zelensky said, “this madness continues.”
He added that it is now less costly to stop Putin than to protect every port and every ship from Russian attacks.
Zelensky argued that the war must be stopped, even “if it takes weapons to do [so],” warning that otherwise Russia will continue to push “the war forward [and] deeper.”
‘Failure of UN, international law’
Zelensky also addressed what he described as the broader collapse of international law, citing the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan and the growing power of criminal cartels in Latin America as examples of weakened global governance.
“You know perfectly well international law doesn’t work fully unless you have powerful friends who are truly willing to stand up for it, and even that doesn't work without weapons,” he said.
Criticizing the UN’s role in Sudan, Somalia, and Palestine, Zelensky said that apart from issuing statements, “everything happening in Gaza remains without a way out even now.”
He concluded that in a world where institutions are failing, it is the rise of weapons, not dialogue, that determines who survives.
Drone allegations
Zelensky also raised concerns over Russia’s growing use of drone technology, noting recent airspace violations in Poland and Estonia, and warning of the emerging threat from autonomous drones powered by artificial intelligence.
“Just recently, 19 simple Russian drones violated Polish airspace, and only four were shut down,” he stated.
Discussing the accessibility of drones, Zelensky remarked that while drones were once exclusive to “the strongest countries” due to high costs, even basic drones can now fly thousands of kilometers.
He highlighted how Ukrainian farmers are adapting to these evolving threats, learning to shield their equipment from Russian drone attacks, a challenge he said is becoming as serious as climate change.
