Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned world leaders that Russia’s war against Ukraine is creating security risks beyond the battlefield, calling for stronger international efforts to contain the conflict.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, The Independent reported that Zelensky described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “patient zero” in the spread of war, warning that continued Russian aggression could expose more countries to instability and conflict.

Zelensky cited Russia’s growing military cooperation with North Korea as evidence of the wider consequences of the war. He said North Korean troops had been sent to support Russian forces, while Pyongyang had gained access to military benefits, including improved missile and drone capabilities.

The Ukrainian president also claimed that Russia had recorded 248,964 military casualties between January and August. He said Kyiv had drone footage supporting its assessment of the losses, although the figures have not been independently verified.

Rather than limiting his address to calls for international support, Zelensky also presented Ukraine’s wartime experience as a potential contribution to global security. He highlighted the Freya missile programme, which is being developed with the participation of several European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. Poland has also been invited to join the initiative.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine’s experience countering Russian missiles and drones has accelerated the development of defence technologies that could eventually benefit other countries facing similar threats.

He further warned that advances in weapons technology and artificial intelligence could create new security challenges if conflicts continue to spread, urging the international community to combine diplomatic efforts with stronger defensive measures.