New York, 24 September 2025 (dpa/MIA) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned the United Nations of further Russian aggression and said that President Vladimir Putin will keep expanding the war in Ukraine "wider and deeper" unless he is stopped.

During his speech at the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Zelensky cited Moldova as an example.

The country is currently defending itself against Russian interference ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections on Sunday, he said. However, the international community's response to this has been insufficient, Zelensky added.

"Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too," the Ukrainian president continued. The European Union must help Moldova with financial resources and support in the energy sector and ensure human rights there.

"For Europe, supporting Moldova's stability is not costly, but failing to do so will come at a much higher price," he said.

Recent Russian incursions into Polish and Estonian airspace show how urgent support is, according to Zelensky.

On Tuesday, Moldova's pro-European president, Maia Sandu, warned of Russian interference in her country ahead of the upcoming elections.

She added that 74 people had also been arrested in nationwide raids on Monday. They are accused of preparing mass unrest in the country.

"The Kremlin is spending hundreds of millions of US dollars to buy hundreds of thousands of votes on both sides of the Dniester [River] and abroad," Sandu said in a video address.

Zelensky warns of 'most destructive arms race' due to AI

In his speech, Zelensky also warned of the "most destructive arms race in human history," highlighting the use of artificial intelligence in weapons systems.

"Ten years ago, war looked different, and no one imagined that ship drones could create dead zones, areas stretching for dozens of kilometres where nothing moves, no vehicles, no life," he said. Previously, this would only have been conceivable through a nuclear strike.

Zelensky also called for international rules on the use of AI in weapons systems. "This is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons," he said.

He also defended Ukraine's use of drones, saying it is necessary to ensure the country's survival.

Photo: EPA