Zelensky at UN calls to stop Russia and labels Putin 'patient zero'

On 24 September 2026 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the international community to stop Russia’s offensive actions, warning that Moscow’s aggression threatens not only Ukraine but also neighbouring states and regions beyond Europe.

Zelensky said Russian President Volodymyr Putin represents a wider risk, singling out Moldova, Poland and the Baltic states as exposed, and warning that Moscow does not respect the independence of countries in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. He also said Syria and several African states had already experienced “Russian brutality.”

Using a medical metaphor he placed at the centre of his address, Zelensky said: "He is the patient zero from whom the idea of war constantly spreads." He added: "Therefore patient zero must be stopped, his space for action and for spreading evil must be taken away."

Ukraine as a security supplier

Zelensky repeated that Ukraine still depends on international aid and urgently needs air-defence systems. He highlighted Kyiv’s progress in drone technology and said those capabilities are being shared with partners.

"This is not simply about selling drones. It is about cooperation with other countries to create a modern integrated defence system against the threat from drones in the air, at sea and on land," he said. He also named the Freya project as an area of cooperation on missile defences and declared Ukraine’s intention to become "a supplier of security" despite the war.

In the UN Security Council debate, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov again rejected proposals for a ceasefire, arguing Europe seeks a pause so Ukraine can rearm and stating that Moscow wants a comprehensive solution. In turn, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv is prepared for an immediate and complete ceasefire without preconditions if Moscow adheres to it, and for targeted pauses related to energy infrastructure or grain exports.

Sybiha accused Russia of arson, sabotage and cyberattacks in Europe and said that "the Russian war against Europe is no longer hybrid. Instead of keeping the peace, Russia spreads war." He also told the council that 14 of the 15 members back the approach he outlined, including the United States and China. Separately, the article noted that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has recently reopened the idea of a moratorium on strikes against energy facilities, an option Moscow has repeatedly rejected.

Photo: press material from the event