Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent trip to Oslo was marred by alarm when Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre claimed that his plane was nearly struck by a drone during takeoff from Moldova.
Ukrainian Officials Respond
Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reported Støre's assertion that the drone incident occurred just before Zelensky's flight took off. However, Ukrainian sources quickly dismissed the claim as an exaggeration.
The alert in Moldova was related to a Russian drone entering Moldovan and Romanian airspace, not a direct threat to President Zelensky's aircraft.
Ukrainian Presidential Source
Moldova's government confirmed that its airspace was closed around 4:30 PM local time due to the drone threat. This closure caused delays for several flights.
- Moldova closed airspace for safety
- Zelensky's flight delayed by the incident
- Drone exploded 160 kilometers from Chisinau International Airport
Zelensky eventually arrived in Oslo to meet with Norwegian leaders on military and civilian aid, including discussions on air-defense support.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine. The use of drones in military operations has raised significant concerns about airspace safety in nearby nations.
After his visit to Norway, Zelensky is set to travel to Canada for further discussions with international leaders.