Shocking Close Call: Drone Nearly Hits Zelenskyy Plane During Norway Visit

The departure of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from Moldova to Norway was delayed due to a drone alert that prompted the closure of Moldovan airspace, as reported by a Moldovan government spokesperson. The incident occurred on Tuesday when it was confirmed that a Russian drone had landed on Moldovan territory. Following this, Zelensky aircraft received clearance for take-off, but prior to that, three departures and four arrivals at the airport experienced delays.

Officials indicated that two Russian drones had entered Moldovan airspace; one drone landed in a field north of the capital, causing a fire, while the other continued its flight into Romanian airspace. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and security concerns in the region.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has characterized the recent drone incursions as a “serious threat to people lives” and condemned a specific Russian drone strike that targeted a border crossing with Ukraine, resulting in the fatalities of two individuals. Additionally, Moldova ambassador to the United States expressed to News Reporter Jim Sciutto that he believes the incident was likely a deliberate act rather than an accident.

Russian drone in Moldova

On Tuesday, a Russian drone entered Moldovan and Romanian airspace, reportedly flying for approximately one hour before crashing in Moldova, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US think tank. The drone, identified as a Shahed, entered Moldovan airspace from Ukraine, traversed Romanian airspace, and subsequently returned to Moldova.

However, the defense ministries of both Moldova and Romania confirmed the incident, but it remains uncertain if this drone corresponds with earlier reports referenced by Store and a spokesperson from the Moldovan government. As of now, neither Ukrainian authorities nor President Zelenskyy have issued any statements regarding the drone incident, with claims suggesting that Zelenskyy was in danger being labeled as “exaggerated” by a source.

Vladislav Kulminski, speaking to CNN, expressed doubts about the accidental nature of a recent incident involving jet-propelled drones entering Moldovan territory, particularly coinciding with the Ukrainian president airplane being present at the airport. He indicated that the Moldovan authorities are currently investigating whether the drone was deliberately targeting Ukrainian President Zelensky.

While it is still too early to ascertain specific intentions behind the drone flight, Kulminski noted that Zelensky frequently utilizes Moldovan airspace during foreign visits, implying that this may not be an isolated incident and that similar occurrences might have happened previously.

The Kremlin has not issued any statements regarding recent events involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. While traveling to Oslo for the funeral of Norway King Harald V, Zelensky faced a significant incident as Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre revealed that his plane was nearly hit by a drone while preparing for takeoff in Moldova.

Støre mentioned this alarming reality during an interview with NRK, although he did not disclose the details of his source or the proximity of the drone to the aircraft. Following the ceremonial proceedings, Zelensky participated in the funeral alongside other world leaders and departed Norway shortly after the event concluded.

The incident involving a drone almost colliding with a flight taking off from Moldova highlights the ongoing tensions in the region, as underscored by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Store during an NRK interview. He refrained from providing further specifics about the drone event. In contrast, a source from the Ukrainian presidency shed light on the matter, indicating that a Russian drone had entered Moldovan and Romanian airspace, prompting an alert in Moldova.

This source characterized the assertions regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky risk as “exaggerated.” President Zelensky arrived in Oslo on Tuesday evening, where he engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Store, Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide about Norwegian military aid, which includes air-defense support and civilian assistance.