Ukrainian President Zelensky Accuses Putin of Spreading Global War, States Solution Lies with Ukraine
At the United Nations General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being the ‘Patient Zero’—the initial source of aggression—and spreading war worldwide. He urged NATO allies to stop Putin and highlighted the risk of contagion in Asia via North Korea, noting that Kim Jong-un is supporting Russian forces militarily, contributing to increased missile and drone capabilities.
Zelensky claimed that in the past eight months, Russian forces have lost 248,000 soldiers, and shared that Ukraine is collaborating with the UK, Canada, France, and Germany on the ‘Freya’ missile development program.
Kathmandu, 7 Ashoj – In his address at the United Nations General Assembly, Ukrainian President Zelensky described Russian President Putin as spreading war globally and appealed to NATO allies to act before this contagion expands further.
He stated, “Putin always seeks individuals who help him kill more people. Not for his country, but for territorial expansion and aggression against other nations, he wants to kill many. Can you imagine Putin not engaging in war? He is ‘Patient Zero’; this war has spread worldwide from the jungle’s edge. The more freedom Putin gains, the greater the catastrophe it could be for the world.”
NATO member states have faced hybrid threats such as cyberattacks, proxy agents, drone infiltrations, and far-right political support. Recently, Putin has issued security warnings about rapid strikes targeting NATO areas.
Zelensky expressed regret that China’s President Xi Jinping was absent from the General Assembly while meeting former U.S. President Donald Trump in America. He highlighted Beijing’s role in exporting technology and weaponry, which benefits Russia’s war effort and fuels Putin’s ambitions.
Regarding the contagion risk from North Korea to Asia, he said, “Putin’s ‘Patient Zero’ comrades, the North Korean leader, have exploited Russian military weaknesses by sending troops. Along the way, the North Koreans have suffered significant losses. You may have seen broadcasts honoring soldiers killed in Pyongyang; this is madness. Why should Koreans lose lives in a war against Ukraine?”
He added, “Kim Jong-un treats these forces like commodities to exact revenge. Additionally, neighboring Asian countries are concerned about Pyongyang’s growing ballistic missile and drone capabilities, terrifying the region.”
Zelensky also hinted that China might be surprised by advanced nuclear missile and Russian drone technologies. He criticized the European Union’s decision to lift sanctions on two wealthy Russians, saying,
“This decision will ease life for wealthy Russians and give Putin more time to send impoverished people into the dangers of war.”
He claimed that in the last eight months, the Russian military has lost 248,000 soldiers, including fatalities, supported by drone footage obtained by Ukraine. Reflecting on the significant destruction since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, he urged the world to feel accountable for its limited response.
Previously, Ukraine was considered a weak state, and Zelensky was widely respected as its leader. However, his recent address revealed a different tone.
He stated, “We have the answer to ‘Patient Zero’, and possibly the cure.” While acknowledging that Ukraine still needs help, he described his country as a “nation of startup warriors” leading the world in modern warfare technologies.
Ukraine, together with ten countries including the UK, Canada, France, and Germany, is engaged in the missile development program named ‘Freya,’ with Poland also invited to participate.
Emphasizing this collaboration, he said, “We are building our security in a way that strengthens our role as true providers of security globally and helps others gain that protection, which can reduce threats from those who initiate and spread war.”
(With contributions from agencies)