Zelensky brands Putin 'patient zero' in fiery UN address
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to retaliate against Russia if Moscow targets Ukraine's power grid this winter, warning the UN General Assembly that Russian President Vladimir Putin represents the "patient zero" of global instability.
Winter grid deterrence
Addressing world leaders in New York, Zelensky warned that the Kremlin continues to export suffering and crises across the international arena, arguing that appeasing Russian aggression poses an escalating risk to global security.
“Putin is always looking for someone to help him kill more, conquer more territory, and occupy another country, instead of stopping and managing his own state,” Zelensky said. “After all this, can you imagine him without war? He is 'patient zero', the one from whom this idea of war continues to spread. That is why 'patient zero' must be stopped. He must be denied maneuver space and the ability to propagate this evil further.”
The Ukrainian president underscored that Kyiv is prepared to deliver an asymmetric response if Russian strikes continue to threaten civilians ahead of the freezing season.
“If Russia continues to attack our energy system and district heating, Ukrainians understand that this winter will be very hard,” the Ukrainian leader added. “However, in response, we will have no choice but to make the situation just as painful for Russia. This is precisely why we say de-escalation measures are vital before winter arrives. We now need both diplomacy and strength.”
Moscow rejects truce during talks
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that while Moscow remains open to peace discussions, it will not pause combat operations while talks take place.
“Russia, as President Putin has repeatedly confirmed, is ready for negotiations toward achieving a lasting and just peace,” Lavrov said. “However, drawing on bitter experience, we will not suspend the special military operation during negotiations, regardless of their format, even though Europe wants precisely that. Their objective remains simple: to gain a respite and replenish the depleted military stockpiles of the Kyiv regime.”
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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