Ukraine Issues Stark Warning on Global AI Arms Race During U.N. Address
United Nations, September 24, 2025 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a forceful warning at the U.N. General Assembly today, describing the current geopolitical landscape as “the most destructive arms race in history,” intensifying with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into modern weaponry.
In a solemn address, Zelenskyy underscored that the proliferation of AI-enabled weapons, including drones, is ushering in a new era of global insecurity. “We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that this escalation includes AI technologies that lack sufficient international regulations and security guarantees.
He pointed to Russia’s ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine as the trigger for this accelerated arms race, asserting that the Kremlin’s aggression has not only devastated Ukraine but also catalyzed a surge in advanced weapon technologies spreading across Europe and beyond. “None of this would have happened if Putin had not started this full-scale aggression,” Zelenskyy declared.
The Ukrainian leader stressed the urgent need for a unified global response, advocating for “real security guarantees” and a robust international framework to regulate AI weaponization akin to nuclear non-proliferation efforts. He highlighted that mass-produced drones and AI-powered weapons are rapidly becoming commonplace threats, which pose risks far exceeding those of conventional arms.
Zelenskyy also condemned Russia’s attempts to weaponize food supplies, energy resources, and even the abduction of children as part of its warfare strategy, further calling on the international community to take decisive actions against Moscow to prevent the continuation and expansion of conflict across Europe.
He offered Ukraine’s advanced defense systems as resources to help bolster global security, urging world leaders to collaborate in halting Russia’s aggression before it leads to catastrophic consequences. “Stopping Russia now is cheaper than wondering who will be the force to create a simple drone carrying a nuclear warhead,” Zelenskyy warned.
The address followed Zelenskyy’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed renewed support for Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim its territory and criticized Russia’s war tactics. Trump’s endorsement signals an important alignment of international backing amid ongoing debates over how to effectively counter Russian aggression.
As the international community grapples with the implications of AI-enhanced warfare, Ukraine’s plea reflects growing concerns about the accelerating pace of military technology development without adequate global oversight. Experts warn that without timely regulation and cooperation, the deployment of autonomous weapons could destabilize global security and increase the likelihood of uncontrolled conflict.
The U.N. General Assembly is now expected to consider measures to address the challenges posed by AI in warfare, with Zelenskyy’s speech serving as a stark reminder of the urgency to act collectively to prevent a potentially unmanageable arms escalation.