Zelensky Addresses UN, Warns of Arms Race Amidst Shifting US Stance
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine delivered a stark warning at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, highlighting the grave threat to humanity posed by the escalating arms race fueled by the war in his country. This came a day after a meeting with President Trump, who seemingly reversed his previous stance on the conflict.
Zelensky's UN Address: A Call for Security
Speaking to world leaders, Zelensky emphasized that the world is currently experiencing “the most destructive arms race in human history.” He underscored the urgent need for increased security for Ukraine, stating, “The only guarantee of security is friends and weapons,” given the failure of international institutions to maintain peace.
He painted a grim picture of a future dominated by deadly drones, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, seeking to convince leaders that the war in Ukraine is not a distant threat. He stressed that the regulation of A.I. integrated into drones is as urgent as stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and called for an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine as the first step.
Trump's Evolving Position on the War
Trump's sudden reversal on the war, declaring that Ukraine could not only win but also reclaim territory seized by Russia, surprised many. This shift occurred after his meeting with Zelensky, marking a diplomatic win for the Ukrainian leader. Previously, Trump had publicly criticized Zelensky and pressured Ukraine to agree to a deal with Russia.
While welcoming Trump's statement, Zelensky admitted to being “a little bit” surprised by its strength. Trump's comments on Truth Social stated: “I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.”
However, Trump's statement did not include new offers of support, such as providing powerful weapons at no cost. Some Ukrainian officials dismissed Trump's statements as potentially fleeting, citing his history of policy flip-flops. Mykola Kniazhytsky, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, said that Trump’s statements contained "nothing new that could affect the end of the war."
The Reality on the Ground and Economic Implications
Despite recent Ukrainian gains, Russia still occupies a significant portion of Ukraine. Ukrainian military commanders have expressed that it is nearly impossible to fully drive Russia from the approximately 20 percent of Ukraine it controls under the current circumstances.
The war's outcome is heavily reliant on both weapons and economics. Trump claimed Ukraine was inflicting economic damage on Russia, while Russia dismissed claims of economic trouble, despite a growing budget deficit due to military spending.
Looking Ahead: Uncertainty and the Need for a Backstop
The long-term implications of Trump's changed stance remain uncertain, and his commitment to Ukraine is questioned. Zelensky emphasized the need for continued support, stating, "We count on the United States of America as a backstop," emphasizing the importance of the US providing military assistance and security guarantees.
Referencing the failure of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, Zelensky stated that "international promises can turn into blabbering." Ultimately, an American backstop is perhaps the best Kyiv can hope for at this juncture.
