Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Store Says Plane Carrying Volodymyr Zelensky Was Nearly Hit by Drone
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's flight to Oslo for King Harald's funeral faced a drone alert during takeoff in Moldova. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store reported a close call, though Ukrainian officials clarified it was an airspace alert. Scroll below to know more about the incident involving Zelensky.
A plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from Moldova to Oslo for the funeral of Norway’s King Harald was almost hit by a drone, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Wednesday, September 9. “His flight was almost hit by a drone when it was taking off from Moldova. That is the reality he lives in,” Store told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, reports AFP.
Context and Differing Accounts
While Store did not provide further details regarding the close call, a source within the Ukrainian presidency offered a more nuanced perspective on the incident to AFP, describing it as an airspace alert triggered when a drone entered Moldovan and Romanian airspace, while characterising reports that the president was directly at risk as "exaggerated". Volodymyr Zelensky Meets EAM S Jaishankar, Says Ukraine Is Grateful to India.
Moldovan authorities subsequently confirmed an airspace closure and a delay linked to a drone alert before clearance was granted for departure.
Diplomatic Engagement in Oslo
Despite the travel disruption, the Ukrainian leader arrived safely in Oslo on Tuesday evening, September 8. During his visit, he met with Prime Minister Store, Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide to discuss continued military aid - specifically air-defence support - alongside civilian assistance. Russia-Ukraine War: Donald Trump Sends Envoys to Moscow, Kyiv With ‘Idea for Peace’
On Wednesday, Zelensky joined international dignitaries for the funeral of King Harald V, who passed away on August 28 at the age of 89. Following the memorial service, Store noted that Zelensky departed Norway bound for Canada for further discussions with leaders there.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2026 07:14 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
