Zelenskyy Sounds Alarm on AI-Driven War and Global Arms Race at UN Assembly

Ukraine's Zelenskyy Issues Stark Warning on Global Arms Race and AI War In a somber address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a stark warning about the dangers of an artificial intelligence-driven war and global arms race. Speaking on Wednesday, September 22, Zelenskyy called on world leaders to help stop Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "It's only a matter of time, not much, before drones are fighting drones, attacking critical infrastructure and targeting people all by themselves, fully autonomous and no human involved, except the few who control AI systems," Zelenskyy said. "We need global rules on how AI can be used in weapons." Zelenskyy's warning comes as Ukraine continues to face a brutal invasion by Russian forces. The conflict has sparked concerns about the use of advanced technologies, including drones and artificial intelligence, in modern warfare. "We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history because this time, it includes artificial intelligence," Zelenskyy said. "We need to establish clear rules for the use of AI in military operations." The Ukrainian president's address was met with a mixture of concern and skepticism from world leaders. Some praised his call for global cooperation on AI regulation, while others questioned Ukraine's ability to enforce such rules. "President Zelenskyy is right to sound the alarm about the dangers of an AI-driven arms race," said a senior diplomat from a European Union member state, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "However, we need to be realistic about what can be achieved in terms of international cooperation." The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing since 2014, but it escalated significantly in February when Russian forces launched a large-scale invasion. The war has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and widespread destruction. In his address, Zelenskyy also called on world leaders to provide more support for Ukraine's military efforts. "We need more than just words," he said. "We need concrete actions to help us defend our country." The international community has been divided over how to respond to the conflict in Ukraine. Some countries have imposed sanctions on Russia, while others have called for a negotiated settlement. As the war continues, Zelenskyy's warning about the dangers of an AI-driven arms race is likely to resonate with world leaders. The question remains whether they will take concrete action to address this growing concern. Background The use of artificial intelligence in military operations has been a topic of increasing concern in recent years. Many experts warn that the development and deployment of autonomous drones and other AI-powered systems could lead to unintended consequences, including civilian casualties and increased risk of conflict escalation. Additional Perspectives "The use of AI in warfare is a complex issue," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on artificial intelligence and international security. "While it can offer significant military advantages, it also raises important questions about accountability and the potential for human rights abuses." Zelenskyy's warning has sparked a renewed debate about the need for global regulation of AI in warfare. Current Status The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with both sides accusing each other of violating international law. The use of advanced technologies, including drones and artificial intelligence, is likely to remain a key aspect of the war. As world leaders gather at the United Nations General Assembly, Zelenskyy's warning about the dangers of an AI-driven arms race serves as a stark reminder of the need for global cooperation on this critical issue. *Reporting by Npr.*