A plane carrying Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy lands at Gardermoen, Norway, on September 8, 2026 [NTB/Frederik Ringnes via Reuters]
Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published September 10, 2026
OSLO — A plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Norway was reportedly “almost hit” by a drone while preparing to take off from Moldova on Tuesday, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Wednesday.
Zelenskyy was traveling to Oslo to attend the funeral of Norway’s King Harald V. Støre told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the incident occurred as the Ukrainian president’s aircraft was departing Moldova, describing the danger as part of the reality Zelenskyy faces.
Drone Alert Delayed Zelenskyy’s Flight
Moldovan authorities temporarily closed the country’s airspace after a Russian drone entered Moldovan territory. The disruption delayed Zelenskyy’s departure as well as several other flights.
According to Moldovan officials, the drone eventually came down on Moldovan territory and caused a fire. Another drone crossed into neighboring Romania, a NATO member, before subsequently returning toward Moldova, according to reports.
The aircraft carrying Zelenskyy was eventually cleared to leave Moldova after authorities determined it was safe to resume operations.
How Close Was the Drone?
Despite Støre’s statement, the exact distance between the drone and Zelenskyy’s aircraft has not been publicly established.
Støre did not provide details about how close the drone came or identify his source for the information. A source within the Ukrainian presidency subsequently characterized reports that Zelenskyy was directly in danger as exaggerated, saying the incident involved an airspace alert after a Russian drone entered Moldovan and Romanian airspace.
That distinction is important: authorities have confirmed the drone incursion and flight disruption, but the claim that the aircraft itself was nearly struck remains less precisely documented.
Russian Drone Incursion
Moldovan officials confirmed that a Russian drone entered the country’s airspace Tuesday, prompting authorities to shut down aviation operations temporarily. Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned the incursions as a serious threat to public safety.
The incident also highlights the expanding risks posed by the Russia-Ukraine war to neighboring countries. Moldova and Romania have repeatedly dealt with incidents involving drones crossing or approaching their airspace.
Zelenskyy Continued His Norway Visit
Despite the security scare, Zelenskyy reached Oslo and attended King Harald V’s funeral alongside other international leaders.
During his visit, Zelenskyy and Støre also discussed air-defense cooperation and European efforts to develop a new anti-ballistic defense system known as FREYJA.
The Ukrainian president later departed Norway for Canada.
A Warning Beyond Ukraine
The episode underscores how Russia’s drone war against Ukraine can create security risks far beyond the battlefield.
A drone entering Moldovan or Romanian airspace can force civilian airports to suspend operations, disrupt international travel and potentially place high-profile passengers at risk. The presence of a Ukrainian presidential aircraft in the area made Tuesday’s incident particularly sensitive.
🧩 Bottom Line:
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Zelenskyy’s plane was almost hit by a drone while taking off from Moldova, while Moldovan authorities confirmed a Russian drone incursion that temporarily closed the country’s airspace. However, the exact proximity of the drone to the presidential aircraft remains unclear, and a Ukrainian source has disputed the characterization that Zelenskyy was directly in imminent danger.
SOURCES: REUTERS – Drone alert delayed Zelenskiy’s departure for Norway, Moldova says
EURACTIV – Norway PM says Zelenskyy’s plane ‘almost hit’ by drone en route to Oslo
AP NEWS – Flight carrying Zelenskyy to Norway was delayed in Moldova because of drone incursion
AL JAZEERA – Zelenskyy’s plane ‘almost hit’ by drone on way to Oslo, Norwegian PM says
