Zelenskyy warns of drone-fuelled arms race as Trump abruptly backs Ukraine victory

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to warn world leaders of an unprecedented arms race fuelled by drones and artificial intelligence. He described drones as future carriers of nuclear warheads and said the rapid spread of such technology could endanger global security. “We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history,” Zelenskyy said, adding that his country’s survival depended on more weapons and stronger international alliances, the New York Times reported.

Linking Ukraine’s fate to global security

Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine’s war with Russia was not just a regional conflict but a test of global stability. He criticized international institutions for failing to prevent aggression and said that “friends and weapons” were now the only reliable guarantees of security. Ukraine has pioneered the use of inexpensive drones on the battlefield, while Russia has deployed its own drones and anti-drone systems, escalating the technological race. Zelenskyy pressed for urgent regulation of A.I. in warfare, equating its importance to nuclear arms control.

Trump’s surprising reversal

The speech came just one day after US President Donald Trump abruptly shifted his public stance on the war. After months of urging Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, Trump declared that Kyiv could win back all of its land with NATO’s help. On his social media platform, he wrote: “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.” For Zelenskyy, the statement was a diplomatic gain, though he admitted he was “a little bit” surprised by its strength.

Scepticism in Ukraine

Despite the apparent support, many in Ukraine doubted the durability of Trump’s new position. His statement offered no new US aid or weapons, instead highlighting European purchases of American arms. Lawmakers noted that nothing in Trump’s remarks suggested a change in Washington’s military or financial support. “Nothing about expanding military or economic assistance,” said Ukrainian parliamentarian Mykola Kniazhytsky. Analysts also warned that Trump’s frequent policy flip-flops made his assurances unreliable.

Russia’s reaction and the battlefield reality

The Kremlin dismissed Trump’s “paper tiger” description of Russia, with spokesman Dmitri Peskov insisting that Russia remained a formidable power. On the ground, Ukraine’s modest territorial gains—around 140 square miles reclaimed in September—contrast with Russia’s broader advances, including control of more than 1,150 square miles this year. Both sides have escalated long-range strikes. Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries and drone facilities, while Moscow continues to bombard Ukrainian towns and military sites.

Economic pressures on Moscow

Trump also argued that Russia faced “BIG Economic trouble,” citing fuel shortages and long gas station lines. While Russia’s economy has not collapsed, military spending has driven its budget deficit to $50 billion, prompting proposals for tax hikes. Western analysts say these strains are real but not yet decisive. Moscow maintains that its economy is resilient despite sanctions and the war effort.

A cautious outlook for Kyiv

For Ukrainians, Trump’s latest position provides rhetorical support but little in terms of concrete help. His past statements—including praise for Putin during a meeting in Alaska—have left Kyiv wary of sudden reversals. Zelenskyy reminded the UN Security Council that international promises had failed Ukraine before, citing the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. He urged nations to expand military assistance and described the US as a vital “backstop.”

Still, Trump’s closing words in his online statement underscored his distance from the conflict: “Good luck to all!” For Ukraine, the challenge remains fighting a larger opponent while navigating unpredictable signals from its most powerful ally.