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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the UN, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin "patient zero" and urging the international community to stop Russia. He stated Putin is attempting to capture Ukrainian cities including Odesa, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, and that war spreads worldwide from him. Zelensky noted that Russia's disrespect for the world order began in 2014 with the occupation of Crimea, and that Ukraine cannot restore normal life and international law without regaining control of the annexed peninsula. Ukrainian forces have liberated 800 square kilometers since early 2026, while Russian forces captured 890 square kilometers in the same period. According to Zelensky, the net Russian advance totals 90-100 square kilometers, significantly less than in previous years, indicating the battlefield situation for the Russian army has essentially stalled.