---
title: "Zelensky says he would visit Moscow 'on a rocket'"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/zelensky-says-he-would-visit-moscow-on-a-rocket"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/zelensky-says-he-would-visit-moscow-on-a-rocket"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/zelensky-says-he-would-visit-moscow-on-a-rocket.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/zelensky-says-he-would-visit-moscow-on-a-rocket"
category: "Politics"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-09-24T12:46:34.562Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-24T12:27:58.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-24T12:46:34.562Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 68
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-24T12:45:28.775994+00:00"
---

# Zelensky says he would visit Moscow 'on a rocket'

*Ukrainian president's remark comes after repeated questions from Russian journalists at UN General Assembly.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to named body, but relies on anonymous sourcing for curse word and lacks independent outlet corroboration.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. Reports clearly separate fact from comment, use specific names and dates, and state what happens next or is unknown.
- Hype 68 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise more than the body delivers, with sensational language and manufactured urgency.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he would visit Moscow "on a rocket" when asked by a Russian journalist.
- The exchange took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
- Some reports suggest Zelensky used a Russian curse word in his response.
- The Kremlin stated it did not interpret Zelensky's remark as a refusal to visit Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to a Russian journalist's question about visiting Moscow by saying he would go "on a rocket." The exchange occurred on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously invited Zelensky to Moscow for talks. Some reports suggest Zelensky used a Russian curse word when responding. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Zelensky's remark was not interpreted as a refusal to visit Moscow.

## Disagreement on curse word use

delo.si reported that Zelensky used a barely audible vulgar Russian curse word, "bljat," which could be translated as "hell" or "damn." The Kyiv Independent noted that some media outlets mentioned he added the curse word "bl...t," but the video recording of the moment was unclear. Naftemporiki and Pentapostagma did not mention the use of a curse word.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated digests mention the specific Russian curse word that some reports suggest Zelensky used. None of the centre-rated digests mention the specific Russian curse word that some reports suggest Zelensky used.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 18 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 22% (4)
- Centre: 17% (3)
- Right: 61% (11)

29 of 47 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-24T12:45:28.775994+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-24T13:00:44.510Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated reports led on Zelensky's response to Russian journalists. delo.si highlighted Zelensky's "sarcastic curse" in his announcement of which transport he would use to arrive in Moscow. Telegrafi stated that Zelensky's response went viral after being constantly asked by a Russian journalist when he would go to Moscow. Meduza reported that Zelensky responded "On the rocket" to a Russian propagandist's question about when he would arrive in Moscow. charter97.org reported that Zelensky "placed Russians in the United Nations" with his response.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports focused on Zelensky's retort and the Kremlin's reaction. 15min.lt reported that Zelensky retorted to a Russian journalist, "On a rocket," and that the Kremlin did not interpret this as a refusal to visit Moscow. The Kyiv Independent's headline stated Zelensky "vows to come to Moscow for Putin talks 'on a missile'," and its digest noted the Kremlin spokesperson's statement. Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija reported Zelensky's retort to a Russian propagandist that he would come to Moscow "with a rocket."

### Right

- Right-rated reports highlighted Zelensky's sarcastic and potentially irritated response to a Russian reporter. Berliner Morgenpost and Hamburger Abendblatt used headlines stating Zelensky "Reacts Sarcastic" to a "Provocative Question" from a Russian reporter. focus.de reported that Selenskyy wanted "to Come with Rocket" after a reporter called for a visit. Kurier's headline noted Zelensky's "Excited Reaction" to a question about a Moscow trip, adding "On a Rocket, Damned." Origo reported that Zelensky's patience had run out and he "Cursed at the Journalist Who Asked Him a Question." vz.ru reported that Maria Zaharova, an official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to Zelensky's words about the flight to Moscow "on the rocket," stating it showed he had "fully gone off the rails."

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- low: 1
- mixed: 4
- high: 8
- unknown: 29
- veryHigh: 4

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Naftemporiki](https://naftemporiki.gr/kosmos/2166155/o-zelenski-tha-pigaine-sti-moscha-mono-pano-se-pyraylo) — Zelensky Would Go to Moscow "only on a Rocket"
- [Pentapostagma](https://pentapostagma.gr/kosmos/7391175_pano-se-pyraylo-i-aihmiri-apantisi-zelenski-otan-rotithike-tha-paei-sti-mosha) — "On a Rocket": Zelensky's Sharp Response when Asked if He Will Go to Moscow
- [Dnevnik](https://dnevnik.si/novice/svet/zelenski-pravi-da-je-pripravljen-oditi-v-moskvo-tudi-z-raketo-2829728) — Zelensky Says He Is Ready to Go to Moscow Even by Rocket
- [Documento](https://documentonews.gr/article/tha-pame-sti-moscha-pano-se-pyravlo-i-eristiki-ataka-tou-zelenski-se-dimosiografo-gia-tis-synomilies) — "We're Going to Moscow... on a Rocket": Zelensky's Argumentative Rant to a Journalist About the Talks
- [delo.si](https://slovenskenovice.delo.si/novice/svet/putin-povabil-zelenskega-v-moskvo-zelenski-s-sarkasticno-kletvico-napovedal-s-katerim-prevoznim-sredstvom-pride-video) — Putin Invited Zelensky to Moscow, Zelensky Announced with a Sarcastic Curse Which Means of Transport He Would Use to Arrive
- [vecernji.ba](https://vecernji.ba/svijet/viruski-novinar-probio-se-do-zelenskog-i-postavio-mu-pitanje-odgovor-je-nasmijao-sve-1998186) — VIDEO Russian Journalist Made His Way to Zelensky and Asked Him a Question, the Answer Made Everyone Laugh
- [Stirile Antena 1 Observator](https://observatornews.ro/extern/zelenski-intrebat-daca-se-duce-la-moscova-pe-o-racheta-667120.html) — Zelenski, Asked if He's Going to Moscow: "On the Rocket"
- [Berliner Morgenpost](https://morgenpost.de/politik/article413242760/russischer-reporter-stellt-provokante-frage-selenskyj-reagiert-sarkastisch.html) — Russian Reporter Asks Provocative Question – Selenskyy Reacts Sarcastic
- [Hamburger Abendblatt](https://abendblatt.de/politik/article413242760/russischer-reporter-stellt-provokante-frage-selenskyj-reagiert-sarkastisch.html) — Ukraine: Provocative Question of Russian Reporter – Selenskyy Reacts Sarcastic
- [Ostthüringer Zeitung](https://otz.de/politik/article413242760/russischer-reporter-stellt-provokante-frage-selenskyj-reagiert-sarkastisch.html) — Ukraine: Provocative Question of Russian Reporter – Selenskyy Reacts Sarcastic
- [ikz-online.de](https://ikz-online.de/politik/article413242760/russischer-reporter-stellt-provokante-frage-selenskyj-reagiert-sarkastisch.html) — Ukraine: Provocative Question of Russian Reporter – Selenskyy Reacts Sarcastic
- [tvopen.gr](https://tvopen.gr/watch/278760/zelenskithapaosthmosxamepyraylo) — Zelensky: I Will Go to Moscow by "Rocket"
- [Protothema](https://protothema.gr/world/article/1883939/pano-se-puraulo-i-aihmiri-apadisi-tou-zelenski-otan-rotithike-an-paei-sti-mosha-na-sunadisei-ton-poutin) — “On a Rocket”: Zelensky's Sharp Answer when Asked if He Was Going to Moscow to Meet Putin
- [antena3.ro](https://antena3.ro/externe/raspunsul-lui-volodimir-zelenski-cand-o-jurnalista-din-rusia-l-a-intrebat-cand-vine-la-moscova-vin-calare-pe-o-racheta-804465.html) — Volodimir Zelenski's Answer when a Journalist From Russia Asked Him when He Came to Moscow: "I Came on a rocket."
- [15min.lt](https://15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/pasaulis/volodymyras-zelenskis-rusu-zurnalistui-atkirto-atskrisias-i-maskva-ant-raketos-57-2770812) — Kremlin Reacts to Zelensky's Words About Flying "on a Rocket"
- [focus.de](https://focus.de/politik/ausland/reporter-fordert-besuch-selenskyj-will-mit-rakete-kommen_6ed1669b-faf5-4da4-b818-4ca6e9337cae.html) — Reporter Calls for Visit, Selensky Wants "to Come with Rocket
- [ТСН.ua](https://tsn.ua/svit/na-raketi-do-moskvy-pyeskov-vidreahuvav-na-sarkastychnu-vidpovid-zelenskoho-vidpovid-dyvuye-3174737.html) — “On a Rocket” to Moscow: Peskov Reacted to Zelensky's Sarcastic Response — Surprising Statement
- [The Kyiv Independent](https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-vows-to-come-to-moscow-for-putin-talks-on-a-missile) — Zelensky vows to come to Moscow for Putin talks 'on a missile'
- [Kurier](https://kurier.at/politik/ausland/uno-new-york-wolodimir-selenskij-moskau-reise/403193132) — Selensky Reacts Excitedly to Question About Moscow Trip: "On a Rocket, Damned
- [TA3.com](https://ta3.com/clanok/1073179/kedy-pridete-do-moskvy-rusky-novinar-v-new-yorku-zaskocil-zelenskeho-ukrajinsky-prezident-odvetil-na-rakete) — When Will You Come to Moscow? Russian Journalist in New York Surprised Zelensky, Ukrainian President Replied: On a Rocket
- [Apa](https://apa.az/cis-countries/peskov-zelenskinin-moskvaya-raketle-geleceyi-barede-aciqlamasina-munasibet-bildirib-998776) — Peskov Commented on Zelensky's Statement that He Would Come to Moscow by Rocket
- [Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija](https://lrt.lt/naujienos/pasaulyje/6/3062199/zelenskis-rusijos-propagandistui-atkirto-i-maskva-atvyksiantis-su-raketa) — Zelensky Retorts to Russian Propagandist that He Will Come to Moscow "with a Rocket"
- [Welt](https://welt.de/politik/ausland/article6ab4e7f8a15a9fecb6693aa7/ukraine-russischer-reporter-laesst-nicht-von-selenskyj-ab-dann-kontert-der-praesident.html) — Ukraine: Russian Reporter Does Not Abandon Selenskyj – Then the President Counters
- [jauns.lv](https://jauns.lv/raksts/arzemes/730159-ar-raketi-zelenskis-asi-atbild-krievijas-propagandistam-kurs-vinam-vairakkart-jauta-par-viziti-maskava) — "With a Rocket, ****!" Zelensky Sharply Responds to Russian Propagandist Who Repeatedly Asks Him About His Visit to Moscow
- [Telegrafi](https://telegrafi.com/vazhdimisht-pyetej-nga-gazetari-rus-se-kur-do-te-shkoje-ne-moske-pergjigja-e-presidentit-ukrainas-u-be-virale) — Constantly Asked by a Russian Journalist when He Would Go to Moscow, the Ukrainian President's Response Went Viral
- [unimedia.info](https://unimedia.info/ro/news/5a16e31454dadb22/video-intrebat-cand-merge-la-moscova-volodimir-zelenski-a-raspuns-cu-doua-cuvinte-ce-a-spus-presedintele.html) — Asked when He Was Going to Moscow, Volodimir Zelenski Replied with Two Words: What the President Said
- [Klix](https://klix.ba/vijesti/svijet/ruski-novinari-pitali-zelenskog-kada-ce-doci-u-moskvu-njegov-odgovor-postao-viralan-na-raketi/260924008) — Russian Journalists Asked Zelensky when He Would Come to Moscow, His Answer Went Viral: "On a Rocket"
- [kikar.co.il](https://kikar.co.il/world-news/tluzlu) — 'I Will Fly on a Rocket': Zelensky Blasts Russian Propagandists
- [Meduza](https://meduza.io/news/2026/09/24/na-rakete-tak-zelenskiy-otvetil-rossiyskomu-propagandistu-na-vopros-kogda-priedet-v-moskvu) — "On the rocket." That's What Zelensky Said to the Russian Propaganda when He Arrived in Moscow.
- [Origo](https://origo.hu/kulpol/2026/09/zelenszkij-ujsagiro-kerdes-ukran-elnok-new-york) — Zelensky's Patience Has Run Out - He Cursed at the Journalist Who Asked Him a Question
- [Aktuálně.cz](https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/zahranici/proc-hori-moskva-zelenskyj-tam-dorazi-na-rakete-ukrajinci-vyslali-rusum-ostry-vzkaz/r~aaa2993410884652238d6d3e731552d3) — Why Is Moscow Burning? Zelensky Will Arrive There on a Rocket. Ukrainians Sent a Sharp Message to the Russians
- [vz.ru](https://vz.ru/news/2026/9/24/1454779.html) — Zaharova Responded to Zelensky's Words About the Flight to Moscow "on the Rocket"
- [Net.hr](https://net.hr/danas/svijet/volodimir-zelenski-odbrusio-ruskim-novinarima-snimka-se-prosirila-6f1133f2-b7d7-11f1-936f-9600040c8f8e) — Zelensky Asked when He Would Come to Moscow, Filmed His Reaction: 'On a Rocket, F*ck It'
- [Unknown](https://glavcom.ua/world/world-politics/zelenskij-rizko-vidpoviv-na-zapitannja-rosijan-pro-vizit-do-moskvi-1144868.html) — Zelensky Sharply Answered Russians' Questions About a Visit to Moscow
- [Világgazdaság](https://vg.hu/nemzetkozi-gazdasag/2026/09/orosz-ujsagiro-zelenszkij-ensz-moszkva) — Zelensky Was Suspended at the UN: a Russian Journalist Asked Him when He Was Going to Moscow, and He Replied - "On a Rocket, Damn It"
- [charter97.org](https://charter97.org/ru/news/2026/9/24/699507) — In Moscow on a Rocket: Zelensky Placed Russians in the United Nations
- [Slobodna Dalmacija](https://slobodnadalmacija.hr/vijesti/svijet/ruski-novinar-probio-se-do-zelenskog-i-pitao-ga-kad-stize-u-moskvu-reakcija-je-bila-ekspresna-na-raketi-je-ote-1580589) — A Russian Journalist Made His Way to Zelensky and Asked Him when He Was Arriving in Moscow. The Reaction Was Immediate: 'On the Rocket, You*ote!'
- [Avaz.ba](https://avaz.ba/vijesti/globus/1074889/video-ruski-novinar-prisao-zelenskom-i-postavio-pitanje-njegov-odgovor-brzo-se-prosirio-drustvenim-mrezama) — Video / Russian Journalist Approached Zelensky and Asked a Question, His Answer Quickly Spread on Social Media
- [topwar.ru](https://topwar.ru/290354-na-vopros-kogda-v-moskvu-zelenskij-otvetil-ne-srazu-i-s-javnym-razdrazheniem.html) — The Question "When in Moscow?" Zelensky Answered Not Immediately and with Apparent Irritation.
- [rijekadanas.com](https://rijekadanas.com/ruski-novinar-kada-dolazite-u-moskvu-zelenski-na-raketi-video) — Russian Journalist: "When Are You Coming to Moscow?" Zelensky: "On a Rocket!" VIDEO
- [anlatilaninotesi.com.tr](https://anlatilaninotesi.com.tr/20260924/zaharovadan-zelenskiynin-moskovaya-fuzeyle-gelirim-sozlerine-yanit-1108985643.html) — Zaharova Responds to Zelenskyy's Statement, "I Will Come to Moscow with missiles."
- [Unknown](https://obozrevatel.com/politics-news/na-rakete-bl-zelenskij-rezko-otvetil-na-vopros-zhurnalistov-iz-rf-o-ego-vozmozhnom-vizite-v-moskvu-video.htm) — "On the Rocket": Zelensky Responded Sharply to a Question From Journalists From the Russian Federation About His Possible Visit to Moscow.
- [n-tv](https://n-tv.de/politik/13-05-Selenskyj-aetzt-bei-Frage-zu-Moskau-Reise-Auf-einer-Rakete-id30859357.html) — Ukraine War in a Live Ticker: +++ 13:05 Selensky Etched in Question About Moscow Trip: "On a Rocket" +++
- [EADaily](https://eadaily.com/ru/news/2026/09/24/zelenskiy-otvetil-po-russki-naschet-vizita-v-moskvu) — Zelensky Replied in Russian About His Visit to Moscow.
- [Life.ru](https://life.ru/p/na-rakete-zelenskiy-po-russki-otvetil-na-vopros-zhurnalistov-o-vizite-v-moskvu) — "On the Rocket": Zelensky in Russian Answered a Journalist's Question About a Visit to Moscow
- [tvrain.tv](https://tvrain.tv/news/zelenskij-poobeschal-priletet-v-moskvu-na-rakete-b-576399) — Zelensky Promised to Fly "on the Rocket" to Moscow.
- [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/09/23/2615531.html) — Abbas Juma: Zelensky, responding to a question from a Russian journalist about when the Ukrainian president would arrive in Moscow, said he would arrive in the Russian capital "on a rocket."

## Questions

**What did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky say about visiting Moscow?**

When asked by a Russian journalist about visiting Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded that he would go "on a rocket." Some reports also suggest he used a Russian curse word in his reply.

**Where did this exchange take place?**

The exchange between President Zelensky and the Russian journalist occurred on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

**How did the Kremlin respond to Zelensky's statement?**

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russian side did not interpret Zelensky's remark as a refusal to visit Moscow. He added that he had not heard anything to that effect and that Zelensky makes many statements at the UN General Assembly.

---

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