Zelensky at UN: Putin is 'patient zero' who must be stopped

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the UN that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "patient zero" who must be stopped, denying him space to spread this "evil." He made the remarks on September 23 in New York. Zelensky argued that nothing seems able to halt Putin, who never appears ready to say "enough" and is never prevented from expanding. He noted that 17 million square kilometers of territory should suffice for one man, yet Putin still seizes other countries instead of managing his own. The Ukrainian leader questioned whether Putin could live without war or conflict, suggesting he does not know how. The statement frames Russia's actions as a spreading threat requiring international action.