No security guarantees except allies and arms, Zelenskyy tells UN

“Only strong alliances, only strong partners, and only our own arms can guarantee our security,” said Zelenskyy.

“The 21st century is not that different from the past. If a nation wants peace, it still must work on its defenses. It’s not international law, not [mere] cooperation, but weapons that decide who survives.”

Zelenskyy added that international law alone is insufficient to ensure peace, especially for a country without powerful friends willing to defend it.

“Even that doesn’t work without arms,” the president added.

“It’s a terrible thing to contemplate, but without arms it will be even worse. There are no security guarantees except friends and weapons.” 

The 80th UN General Assembly opened Sept. 23 in New York, drawing nearly 100 presidents and more than 40 prime ministers.