Zelensky taught the West a lesson: Statements do not save lives

In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Zelensky pointed out that "no one but ourselves" can guarantee security and that international law and cooperation, unfortunately, are not enough to stop aggression," writes the Guardian.

The President of Ukraine condemned the ineffectiveness of international institutions, citing Palestine, Somalia and Sudan as examples of nations that have been surviving wars for decades, but receive only "statements and declarations" from the global system. He drew attention to the situation in Syria, where the country still has to appeal to the world to ease the sanctions that are "suffocating its economic recovery".

In the context of the war with Ukraine, Zelensky pointed out that "people are still being killed every week", while Russia refuses to cease fire. He also emphasized the abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children, thanks to international aid that helped to return some of them, but warned of the fact that their return will require much more time.

"Risk of nuclear catastrophe"

He also pointed to the risk of a nuclear disaster, recalling last year's Russian occupation of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant.

"Nothing has changed. Russia has not stopped shelling, even in areas close to the nuclear station. And international institutions are too weak to stop this madness," the Ukrainian leader said.

Speaking about security in Europe, Zelensky recalled the geopolitical threats coming from Russia, mentioning Moldova, which is defending itself against Russian interference, but also criticizing the weakness of international responses to similar situations in Georgia and Belarus.

"Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova," he said.

Zelensky emphasized that the collapse of international law leads to the growth of weapons, which is recognizable through numerous conflicts around the world, including Afghanistan and Latin America, where cartels are becoming more powerful than governments.

He also warned of the rapid development of war technologies, such as drones, which recognize borders only through their military potential, as world powers struggle to adapt to this new reality.

"If there are no real security guarantees, will any place on Earth remain safe for people," Zelensky asked.

He warned of "the most destructive arms race in human history" - artificial intelligence, questioning whether the world has the capacity to protect itself from rapidly evolving threats.