We are now experiencing the most destructive arms race in history, said Zelenskyj to the gathered world leaders at the UN General Assembly in New York.
Zelenskyj's assessment is that President Vladimir Putin wants to expand the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine to other parts of Europe.
"The madness continues"
He appeals to the outside world for more support in the fight against Russia, with the argument that it is "cheaper to stop Putin now" than to risk having to strike back against Russian attacks later.
Ukraine is just the first and Russian drones are already flying over Europe, and Russian operations are already spreading across countries. Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it.
Not even a NATO membership provides full protection in the current situation, said Zelenskyj.
Since the international institutions are so weak, this madness continues. Not even by being part of this long-standing military alliance can one guarantee their security.
Shift from Trump
The Ukrainian president's speech was held the day after he met with US President Donald Trump. Trump expressed his clear support for Ukraine's defense efforts - and claimed that Ukraine, with the right support from NATO and the EU, can win back all the territory taken by Russia.
This is in contrast to Trump's previous calls on Ukraine to make concessions to put an end to the war.
I had a good meeting with President Trump, says Zelenskyj.
I have also spoken with many other strong leaders, and together we can accomplish a lot, he added.
