Zelensky Urges UN to Cripple Russian War Economy

Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, arguing that Russia's ability to finance the war must be stopped to achieve peace. He stated that Moscow has lost nearly 249,000 troops since January and seized only 1,000 square kilometers of territory this year.

The Ukrainian leader said Russia has fired more than 2,100 missiles and launched 63,000 attack drones at Ukraine in the first eight months of 2026. He warned that any trade with Russia directly prolongs the conflict and called for stricter sanctions on Russian oligarchs.

“When Russia has money, it always says 'no' to diplomacy, and this is also a kind of veto on peace.”

Zelensky claimed Putin promised the US he would capture the Donetsk region within months but has repeatedly moved the deadline. He asserted the Kremlin ultimately aims for Kyiv and threatens the Baltics, Moldova, and Poland.

According to 20 Minutos, Zelensky labeled Putin a "zero-patience man" who is not a reasonable person. He added that North Korean allies are also suffering casualties on the front lines.