Zelensky’s Plane Narrowly Avoided Drone Strike While Leaving Moldova: Norway PM

Store shared the information in an interview with Norway’s state broadcaster NRK. He said Zelensky’s plane was about to take off when a drone came close to the aircraft. However, he did not specify how close the drone came to the plane and provided no further details about the drone.

The incident involving Zelensky’s aircraft came on the same day that two Russian drones entered Moldovan airspace. Following the incursion, air traffic at the airport in Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, was temporarily suspended.

According to flight-tracking data, several flights heading to Moldova were diverted. Some aircraft were also forced to circle in the air.

One of the drones crashed into a field, where it caused a fire. The second drone entered Romanian territory.

Zelensky arrived in Norway on Tuesday evening and held a meeting with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. The discussions focused on Norway’s military assistance to Ukraine and air defence systems. The two leaders also discussed civilian assistance.

Zelensky also met officials linked to Norway’s defence industry. The talks included Europe’s proposed FREYJA air defence system, described as an anti-ballistic defence system aimed at protecting European skies from missile and drone attacks.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told Norwegian media, "We (Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and I) were out yesterday until past midnight, talking about how we can cooperate to provide air defence for Ukraine against the terrible things that are happening. He was…

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2026

Zelensky said protecting Europe’s skies was a shared responsibility. He also spoke about working with Norway and other allied countries on the project.

On Wednesday, Zelensky attended the funeral of Norway’s King Harald V in Oslo. King Harald V died on August 28 at the age of 89. Zelensky joined other leaders and senior officials at the funeral before leaving Norway.

According to Norwegian Prime Minister Store, Zelensky then departed for Canada, where he will hold talks with Canadian leaders.

Ukraine is currently facing continued missile and drone attacks from Russia. The war between the two countries has continued since Russia launched its full-scale military operation in February 2022.