Drone skims Ukrainian president's aircraft during Moldova departure

Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chartered jet narrowly avoided a collision with a drone while taking off from Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, on Tuesday, according to the Times of India. The Ukrainian president was en route to Norway for a high‑profile meeting with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, where discussions on security assistance and post‑war reconstruction are slated to dominate the agenda.

Ukrainian officials described the incident as a “near‑miss” that prompted immediate evasive maneuvers by the flight crew. The drone, whose origin has not yet been confirmed, reportedly flew within a few metres of the aircraft’s wing before disappearing. No injuries were reported, and the plane continued to its destination without further incident.

Moldova, a neutral state bordering Ukraine, has increasingly served as a logistical hub for Ukrainian officials and humanitarian aid since the Russian invasion began in 2022. Its airfield at Chisinau International Airport is one of the few routes that can accommodate larger aircraft without exposing them to the intense anti‑aircraft activity along Ukraine’s front lines. The episode underscores the expanding reach of unmanned aerial systems in the region, a tactic that Russia has employed to target both military and civilian assets.

The incident arrives at a sensitive moment for Kyiv. In recent months, Russian forces have intensified drone strikes across Ukrainian territory, aiming to disrupt supply chains, energy grids, and even civilian gatherings. While most attacks have focused on ground targets, the proximity of a drone to a presidential aircraft raises questions about the security protocols for high‑level travel and the potential for escalation.

Norway’s upcoming summit is expected to draw leaders from several NATO countries, with the aim of bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and charting a path toward reconstruction. The near‑miss may prompt tighter coordination among host nations regarding airspace monitoring and counter‑drone measures, ensuring that diplomatic missions proceed without further disruption.

Security experts note that incidents like this are likely to become more common as drone technology proliferates and conflict zones expand. Nations hosting high‑profile visits are now tasked with balancing openness to diplomatic engagement against the need for robust aerial surveillance and rapid response mechanisms.

The Times of India reported that the flight crew’s quick reaction averted a potential disaster, highlighting both the skill of the pilots and the growing complexity of ensuring safe air travel in a war‑affected region.