New York:Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized his country's focus on self-defense and territorial protection, expressing readiness for diplomacy and a ceasefire if Russia provides credible security assurances.

According to Qatar News Agency, Zelenskyy addressed the United Nations General Assembly, clarifying that Ukrainian forces aim to dismantle Russia's economic and military capabilities rather than targeting Russian oil directly. These capabilities, he noted, are prolonging the conflict.

Zelenskyy shared estimates indicating that the Russian military suffered personnel losses ranging from 248,000 to 249,000 in the first eight months of 2026. Additionally, he reported that Russia launched over 2,000 attack drones, mostly with jet engines, along with approximately 1,700 aerial bombs and 19 missiles targeting Ukraine in a single week in September.

The Ukrainian leader cautioned about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence in military applications, suggesting that it could soon autonomously influence battle outcomes, potentially leading to a devastating arms race.

Zelenskyy concluded by stating that Russia's ongoing military activities and its expanding control over Ukrainian territories contradict diplomatic efforts aimed at halting the war and achieving a resolution.