Zelenskyy’s Plane Nearly Hit By Drone During Departure From Moldova

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s plane was reportedly threatened by a drone while taking off from Moldova en route to Norway, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said. Zelenskyy’s departure was delayed amid security concerns, although officials did not provide details about the threat. During his visit to Norway, Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine’s urgent need for additional air-defence systems, including possible cooperation to boost Ukraine’s domestic production of such equipment.

ZELENSKYY’S PLANE REPORTEDLY FACED DRONE THREAT

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s plane was reportedly placed in danger by a drone while taking off from Moldova on his way to Norway, according to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Store said the incident occurred as Zelenskyy was leaving Moldova, describing it as a stark example of the security threats facing the Ukrainian president because of the ongoing war involving Russia.
“His plane was almost hit by a drone as it was taking off from Moldova,” Store said, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
The Norwegian prime minister did not provide further details about the drone, including who was operating it or how close it came to Zelenskyy’s aircraft.

ZELENSKYY TRAVELLED TO NORWAY FOR KING HARALD’S FUNERAL

Zelenskyy arrived in Oslo on Tuesday evening after travelling from Moldova to attend the funeral of Norway’s King Harald V.
During his visit, he held discussions with Store and other Norwegian officials about the war in Ukraine and the country’s urgent need for additional air-defence systems.
The reported incident during his departure from Moldova added a personal dimension to those discussions, highlighting the risks faced by Ukrainian leaders and other officials travelling during the conflict.

STOLTENBERG CONFIRMS SECURITY PROBLEMS

Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, who was present during a meeting with Zelenskyy, also confirmed that the Ukrainian president had spoken about difficulties surrounding his departure from Moldova.
Stoltenberg said Zelenskyy told Norwegian officials that his departure had been delayed and that there had been threats involving the aircraft.
“I don't dare go into the details about it, but he was delayed, and there were some threats against the plane,” Stoltenberg said.
However, neither Store nor Stoltenberg publicly provided enough information to establish the exact nature of the threat or whether the drone was deliberately targeting Zelenskyy’s aircraft.

UKRAINE SEEKS MORE AIR DEFENCE

Air defence was one of the key issues discussed during Zelenskyy’s meetings with Norwegian officials.
Ukraine has repeatedly asked its international partners for additional systems capable of detecting and intercepting missiles and drones. Such systems have become increasingly important as the war has involved frequent aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Store said Norwegian and Ukrainian defence industries were examining whether Norway could provide additional air-defence capabilities.
The two countries are also exploring whether industrial cooperation could eventually allow Ukraine to produce some air-defence systems domestically.

NORWAY DEEPENS SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

Norway has been one of Ukraine’s European supporters since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The country has provided military, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine while working with other European allies to strengthen Kyiv’s ability to defend itself.
The latest discussions indicate that Norway’s support could increasingly involve industrial cooperation, allowing Ukraine not only to receive equipment from its partners but also to develop greater domestic capacity to manufacture critical defence systems.

A WAR THAT CONTINUES TO SPREAD SECURITY RISKS

The reported drone incident underscores how the war in Ukraine has created security risks extending beyond the battlefield.
Although Moldova is not a party to the war, its geographical position next to Ukraine means the country remains exposed to regional security concerns.
The incident involving Zelenskyy’s aircraft also comes at a time when Ukraine is seeking stronger protection against drones and missiles, while European countries are examining ways to expand defence production and reduce vulnerabilities.
Norwegian and Ukrainian officials are expected to continue discussions over additional air-defence support and possible joint industrial projects as the war continues.