Breaking News: A drone nearly struck the aircraft carrying Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as it departed Moldova for the Norwegian King’s funeral.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s plane was almost hit by a drone as it took off from Moldova en route to Norway, the Norwegian Prime Minister has revealed. Jonas Gahr Støre told public broadcaster NRK that the incident occurred on Tuesday as Zelenskyy travelled to Oslo for the state funeral of King Harald V. He stated, “His plane was almost hit by a drone as it was about to take off from Moldova. That is the reality he is facing.”
The incident involved two Russian drones, according to a Moldovan government spokesperson. Zelenskyy’s departure was delayed while the country’s airspace was closed. One drone reportedly landed in a field north of the capital, Chișinău, causing a fire, while the other entered Romanian airspace. The incursion prompted temporary closures at Chișinău International Airport, disrupting air traffic. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu condemned the drone strikes as a “serious threat to people’s lives”, further highlighting regional instability.
The news follows a report warning that Russia is probing NATO drone defenses using a “shadow fleet”. The Institute for the Study of War also reported a Russian Shahed drone traversed Moldovan and Romanian airspace before crashing in Moldova. Zelenskyy arrived safely in Oslo, engaging in discussions with Norwegian officials regarding military and civilian aid, including air defence support.
The incident underscores the escalating risks faced by Ukraine’s leadership and the potential for the conflict to broaden, drawing in neighbouring states. It also raises concerns about the security of airspace in the region, already strained by ongoing hostilities.
Zelenskyy’s visit to Norway is expected to focus on bolstering Ukraine’s defence capabilities. Further investigations into the drone incursion are anticipated, with potential diplomatic fallout for Russia.
Sources: Fox News, The Jerusalem Post, The Daily Telegraph.
