Zelensky brands Putin 'patient zero' for war's spread as Russia kills two in Kyiv missile strike

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 September 2026 · last updated 24 September 2026.

Russia launched a missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing at least two people and injuring dozens, striking the city hours before Zelensky addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Zelensky told world leaders Putin is 'patient zero' spreading the 'infection' of war to Africa, Asia and beyond, arguing that Putin's growing freedom to act makes the world an increasingly dangerous place. He also urged peace before AI reaches the battlefield, saying that as early as next year artificial intelligence — not people — could begin deciding what happens in war.

Rubio said both Ukraine and Russia have voiced interest in a 'limited ceasefire' covering grain and energy targets after he met Lavrov in New York.

Russia struck railway infrastructure, fuel stations and a nine-storey building near Kyiv's main railway station in one of the heaviest jet-drone attacks since that tactic was adopted.

Zelensky warned that countries sharing a border with Russia face a 'very high' threat of drone, missile or land attack; on Wednesday a Russian military helicopter crossed into Polish airspace before quickly departing.