Zelenskyy Calls Putin “Patient Zero” of War, Urges UN to Cut Russia’s Revenues
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the international community to further restrict Russia’s revenues and trade, arguing that Moscow’s economic resources continue to sustain its war effort.
Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Zelenskyy described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “Patient Zero” of the spread of war, warning that the more freedom Putin has to act, the more dangerous the world becomes.
Zelenskyy also accused Russia of using citizens from 47 countries in the war against Ukraine, naming countries including India, Nepal, Ghana, Tajikistan, Yemen, Kenya and South Africa.
He said Ukraine has received prisoners of war from several countries and alleged that some foreign nationals were brought to Russia through deception and then sent to the battlefield.
Zelenskyy also warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence in warfare could eventually allow machines to identify and make lethal decisions against humans, calling for international action before such technology becomes more widespread.
He further warned that if Russia continues attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter, Kyiv will respond by targeting Russia’s energy and heating systems.