Zelensky Stirs Controversy in New York, Jokes About Visiting Moscow "on a Missile"

A brief 24-second video captured outside the United Nations headquarters in New York became one of the most talked-about moments of the 81st General Assembly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made headlines with his sharp retort to a persistent Russian state journalist asking when he planned to visit Moscow.

"On a missile," Zelensky replied over his shoulder without pausing, surrounded by bodyguards and reporters.

The inquisitive journalist was Valentin Bogdanov, a correspondent for the Russian state channel VGTRK/Vesti, who repeatedly questioned, "When will you go to Moscow? Will you go to Moscow? When?" as Zelensky moved through the crowd.

Some international media outlets have suggested that his response might have included an expletive, though the audio is not clear.

Zelensky's Sharp Response: A Diplomatic Backdrop

The scene is set against a precise diplomatic backdrop. Since the summer of 2025, the Kremlin has insisted that any bilateral meeting between Vladimir Putin and Zelensky should occur in Moscow, even offering "security guarantees" for the trip.

Zelensky flatly rejected the invitation, labeling the Russian capital as the "capital of this terrorist" in an interview with ABC News. Ukraine formally deemed the invitation "unacceptable," and in September 2026, Russia also ruled out a meeting at the G20 summit in Miami, calling it "impossible."

The Military Context Behind Zelensky's Words

The phrase "on a missile" is not merely a sarcastic remark; it accurately reflects Ukraine's recent military strategy.

Just three days prior to the New York incident, Zelensky confirmed a massive drone and missile attack on the Kapotnia refinery—which supplies 40% of Moscow's gasoline—and the Sofyino logistical complex in the Russian capital region, resulting in two deaths and six injuries.

The attack utilized the FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile, boasting a range of 3,000 km and a warhead weighing up to 1,150 kg. In May 2026, the same missile struck an industrial plant in Cheboksary, over 900 km from the Ukrainian border, marking one of the deepest attacks of the entire conflict.

By mid-September, Reuters reported that half of Russia's major diesel-producing refineries had reduced output following the drone attack campaign.

Verbal Provocations and Political Moves

The New York episode fits into a pattern of verbal provocations that Zelensky has increasingly embraced. On Ukraine's Independence Day, the president challenged the Kremlin, saying, "You wanted to take all of our Ukraine; instead, you've lost your refineries, your fleet, your revenue, and an entire generation."

On that same occasion, he warned, "Putin expects us to tire. We know he is mortal. He never understood us. And now, he won't have time to."

Zelensky's schedule in New York was packed beyond the viral moment. On Wednesday, he addressed the General Assembly, calling for increased economic pressure on Russia and harsher sanctions. He also met with Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit to discuss potential ways to end the war before winter.

Notably, the September 20 attack on Kapotnia occurred just a week after Trump publicly urged Zelensky to halt attacks on Russian refineries. The Ukrainian president disregarded the request.

Regarding the Flamingo missile, Zelensky had previously called for its mass production with a slogan that now takes on new meaning: "They have to winter in Russia."