Zelenskyy Warns at UN of a New Era in Arms Race Fueled by AI and Drone Warfare
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a stark warning to world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, emphasizing that the world is engaged in “the most destructive arms race in human history,” driven not only by traditional weapons but by rapidly evolving technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking directly to the gathering of international representatives, Zelenskyy stressed the transformative—and dangerous—impact that drone technology combined with AI is having on modern warfare. According to the Ukrainian leader, these low-cost, mass-produced drones have already created large dead zones on battlefields, areas stretching dozens of kilometers where no vehicle or human activity occurs, which previously could only be imagined after nuclear strikes.
Emerging Threats from AI-Driven Weaponry
Zelenskyy warned that the next generation of combat drones could autonomously engage targets, shoot down other drones, and attack critical infrastructure without direct human involvement. He described scenarios where fully autonomous drone systems controlled by AI could change the nature of war, making conflicts faster, more deadly, and less controllable.
He urged world leaders to implement global regulations on the use of AI in weapons systems, calling this imperative as urgent as nuclear nonproliferation efforts. The lack of such international rules, he said, risks unleashing warfare technologies that could fall into the hands of nonstate actors or terrorists, multiplying the global threats.
Russian Aggression and the Risk of Wider Conflict
Zelenskyy highlighted the ongoing conflict with Russia as the backdrop for his warnings, accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of attempting to expand the war beyond Ukraine into Europe. He noted recent Russian incursions into NATO airspace and cyberattacks as part of a broader “hybrid war” strategy, designed to destabilize the region.
The Ukrainian president appealed to NATO to strengthen its cooperation with Ukraine, particularly by integrating NATO’s air defense systems with those of Ukraine to better secure its eastern borders against intensifying threats. However, he acknowledged the political risks involved, given Russia’s potential strong reaction.
Collaboration and Defense Innovations
Pointing to Ukraine’s experience, Zelenskyy emphasized how necessity has driven innovation, with Ukraine developing drones capable of flying thousands of kilometers to protect its territory and maritime trade routes despite lacking a large conventional navy.
He underscored that Ukraine is ready to share its military technology and expertise with its partners and allies. More than 30 countries are now part of Ukraine’s coalition, working on joint weapons production and defense financing commitments that could serve as a security model for the broader international community.
Global Call for Action
Zelenskyy concluded by stressing that the international community must collaborate urgently to stop the aggressor and halt the arms race before it escalates into catastrophe. Without coordinated action, he warned, there may soon be no safe place left on Earth for people.
His address followed a meeting with then-US President Donald Trump, who expressed strong support for Ukraine reclaiming its territory, highlighting the global interest in the conflict and its broader implications.
The warnings from Zelenskyy at the UN General Assembly articulate the growing complexities of modern warfare, where emerging technologies like AI-driven drones not only change the strategic landscape but also introduce unprecedented humanitarian and security risks worldwide.