Zelensky at UN: Ukraine's fate, Putin as 'patient zero'

On September 23, 50 countries and the EU called on Russia to cease fire in Ukraine, while President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the UN General Assembly's 81st session, detailing Russian losses and warning of winter retaliation. Zelensky cited 248,964 Russian military casualties in eight months of 2026 and 2,100 missiles launched against Ukraine this year. He urged leaders of 47 countries whose citizens fight for Russia to protect them, and called Putin the "patient zero" of the war. Ukraine reiterated readiness for a full and unconditional ceasefire, with Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha noting Russia blocks peace efforts in the Security Council. Zelensky also warned about AI's potential role in warfare by next year.