Norwegian premier says drone narrowly missed Zelenskyy's plane after Moldova take‑off

Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s flight was almost struck by a drone when the jet left Moldovan airspace for a scheduled visit to Oslo, Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre told reporters on Saturday. Al Jazeera reported that Støre said the unmanned aircraft came within a few metres of the presidential plane, prompting an emergency maneuver by the crew.

According to the Norwegian premier, the incident occurred just after the aircraft took off from the Chișinău airport. The jet was heading north‑west toward the Norwegian capital for a bilateral meeting that is expected to focus on military aid and Ukraine’s ongoing war effort. Støre said that the drone was “almost hit” and that security forces quickly intervened to keep the plane safe.

Zelenskyy’s visit to Norway comes at a time when Kyiv is seeking additional support from NATO members. Norway has pledged weapons, training and humanitarian assistance, and the Oslo talks are seen as an opportunity to deepen that partnership. The Ukrainian leader’s itinerary also includes stops in other European capitals, reflecting a broader diplomatic push to sustain Western backing as the conflict enters its second year.

Drone activity has risen across Eastern Europe, with several reported incidents near conflict zones and in neighboring states. While Moldova remains officially neutral, its proximity to the war front makes its airspace a potential corridor for both humanitarian flights and, occasionally, hostile surveillance. The near‑miss underscores the growing risk that unmanned systems pose to high‑profile movements, even in countries not directly involved in the fighting.

Security experts note that such threats compel governments to reassess flight routes for officials traveling to sensitive meetings. In recent months, several European leaders have altered itineraries or employed additional escort aircraft after similar warnings. For Ukraine, the ability to maintain direct contact with allies is crucial, and any disruption could have diplomatic and strategic repercussions.

Støre’s statement, relayed by Al Jazeera, highlights the immediacy of the danger and the swift response that averted a potentially serious accident. Both Norway and Ukraine have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate on security matters, with the incident likely prompting a review of air‑travel protocols for future high‑level engagements.