A drone reportedly came near Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's plane shortly after it departed from Moldova on Tuesday, according to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere. The incident occurred as Zelensky was traveling to Oslo to attend the funeral of Norway's late King Harald V.
Stoere told public broadcaster NRK that the plane was "almost hit by a drone as it was about to take off from Moldova." He described the event as "the reality he is facing," but did not provide details on the drone's proximity to the aircraft or the source of his information.
A source within the Ukrainian presidency offered a more measured account, stating that the situation involved an alert in Moldova due to a Russian drone entering Moldovan and Romanian airspace. This source suggested that any inference of direct risk to Zelensky was "exaggerated."
Zelensky arrived in Oslo on Tuesday evening and held discussions with Prime Minister Stoere, Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. Their talks focused on Norwegian military aid, including air defense systems and civilian assistance, as well as the FREYJA anti-ballistic missile program.
On Wednesday, Zelensky participated in the funeral service for King Harald V, who passed away on August 28. He joined other heads of state and dignitaries, including Britain's Prince William, at the ceremony in Oslo.
Following the funeral, Zelensky departed Norway and was expected to travel to Canada for further discussions with leaders there, according to Stoere. The incident highlights the ongoing security considerations for Ukrainian leadership during international travel.