Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has questioned why the United Nations has allowed Russia’s Sergei Lavrov to attend the world body as the Kremlin continues its assault on his nation.

While touring a hospital in New York, where Ukrainian soldiers are having their maladies tended to as the invasion by Russian forces still rages on, Mr Zelenskyy said the body of world leaders should answer for their decision to allow Russia’s minister of foreign affairs to attend.

Mr Zelenskyy said: “For us, it’s very important that all our words, all our messages, will be heard by our partners.

“And if in the United Nations still — it’s a pity, but still — there is a place for Russian terrorists, the question is not to me.”