Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced concerns regarding the potential destabilization of Moldova and its possible absorption by Russia. He highlighted existing dependencies of Georgia and Belarus on Russia, warning that Europe could not afford to lose Moldova to similar influence.
Zelenskyy stressed that supporting Moldova’s stability was an investment, not a cost. He cautioned that inaction would ultimately lead to a significantly higher price. He specifically urged the European Union to provide Moldova with tangible financial and energy assistance, moving beyond symbolic gestures and political statements.
The President underscored the critical importance of protecting human rights and national rights in regions facing threats, emphasizing the universal applicability of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Zelenskyy also raised concerns regarding the rapid advancement of technology, particularly the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in drone warfare. He described the current environment as the most destructive arms race in history, questioning the future safety of humanity without appropriate safeguards.
He further criticized the perceived limitations of international law, contending that its effectiveness is contingent on possessing powerful allies and, ultimately even those protections require demonstrable military strength. Commenting on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Zelenskyy suggested that post-war security guarantees for Ukraine could serve as a model for broader peacebuilding efforts, potentially providing a framework for similar protections elsewhere.