Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s moment in the United Nations General Assembly chamber came a day after he told Sky News that Donald Trump’s language represented a “big shift” in America’s stance on Ukraine.
The dust is settling on US President Trump’s social media post on Tuesday.
While it unquestionably represents a shift in position – now claiming Ukraine can take back all of the land lost – big questions remain about Trump‘s personal and material commitment to a Ukrainian victory.
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President Zelenskyy is taking the win that the language represents but he, more than anyone, knows that Trump can turn on a dime.
And so his speech was a warning, a message and a continued plea for help.
The Ukrainian leader cited history in warning that Russia won’t stop unless it is defeated.
Zelenskyy said: “We have already lost Georgia in Europe. Human rights and the European nature of the state system are only shrinking there.
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“Georgia is dependent on Russia and for many, many years, Belarus has also been moving towards dependence on Russia.”
“Putin will keep driving the war forward, wider and deeper… Ukraine is only the first. Russian drones are already flying across Europe.”
“Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too,” he said.
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Drawing on the experience of his country, he warned of what he said was a uniquely dangerous proliferation of weapons.
“We are living through the most destructive arms race in human history,” he said, warning specifically of the dangers of drones which will soon be controlled by artificial intelligence (AI).
But he also warned of the proliferation of the use of violence, whether it be from nation states or from political activists.
He cited the assassination attempts on President Trump and the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
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He included these moments not just because he believes they represent a dangerous and tragic shift but because he knows he needs to keep President Trump and his base of support on side. Showing empathy with them is important.
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He spoke in perfect English. Not long ago, he struggled with the language. He knows that now, more than ever, he needs to communicate in the language of those who hold the key to his country’s future.
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“Of course, we are doing everything to make sure Europe truly helps, and we count on the United States,” he said.
He closed with a plea to the nations of the world, gathered in the chamber.
“Don’t stay silent while Russia keeps dragging this war on… Please join us in defending life, international law and order,” he said.
“People are waiting for action.”
