CHISINAU, MOLDOVA — A flight carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from Moldova to Norway was delayed Tuesday after Moldovan authorities temporarily closed the country’s airspace in response to a Russian drone incursion.
Moldovan authorities said two drones entered the country’s airspace during the incident. One crashed in Riscani district, where it caused fires but no reported injuries, while another crossed into neighboring Romania before returning toward Moldova. The disruption delayed three departing flights, including Zelenskyy’s aircraft.
Moldova subsequently reopened its airspace after authorities determined that the immediate threat had passed, allowing Zelenskyy’s aircraft to continue to Oslo. He was traveling to Norway for the funeral of King Harald V.
Drone crossed into NATO airspace
The second drone crossed into Romanian airspace, prompting military monitoring by Spanish F-18 fighter aircraft operating with NATO forces.
Moldovan authorities said police later recovered debris from a drone in the country. Explosives specialists identified components with characteristics similar to a Geran-type unmanned aircraft, a designation associated with drones used extensively by Russia in its war against Ukraine. Investigators were still examining the debris to determine the type and quantity of explosive material carried by the aircraft.
Romania, a NATO member, has repeatedly reported Russian drones entering or approaching its airspace during attacks against Ukraine. Moldova, which is not a NATO member, has likewise reported repeated unauthorized drone incursions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Norwegian leader says aircraft was nearly hit
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Wednesday that Zelenskyy’s aircraft was “almost hit” by a drone while taking off from Moldova.
Støre did not provide details about the source of his information or how close the drone came to the aircraft. Moldovan officials confirmed that Zelenskyy’s departure had been delayed by the airspace closure but did not publicly provide evidence establishing how close the drone came to his aircraft.
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A source in the Ukrainian presidency gave a more cautious description, saying the incident involved an alert after a Russian drone entered Moldovan and Romanian airspace and characterizing suggestions that Zelenskyy was directly endangered as exaggerated.
The differing accounts leave the precise proximity of the drone to Zelenskyy’s aircraft unresolved.
Moldova faces growing airspace risks
The incident highlights the increasing risks posed to Moldova and neighboring NATO countries by Russia’s long-range drone campaign against Ukraine.
Moldova temporarily closed part of its airspace as authorities tracked the drone activity. The country’s authorities have repeatedly protested unauthorized incursions, arguing that drones associated with attacks on Ukraine create risks for Moldovan territory and civilian aviation.
President Maia Sandu has described such incidents as a serious threat to public safety and has called for stronger air-defense support for Ukraine.
For commercial aviation, the immediate consequence was disruption rather than casualties. Three departing flights were delayed during the temporary closure, while other aircraft were affected by the restrictions.
Zelenskyy ultimately reached Oslo and attended King Harald V’s funeral. During his visit, he also met Støre and discussed European air-defense cooperation, including the FREYJA initiative for an integrated European anti-ballistic defense system.
The Moldovan investigation into the recovered drone fragments remains ongoing, while the circumstances surrounding the reported near encounter with Zelenskyy’s aircraft have not been publicly established in greater detail.
Reporting Credit: Moldovan Government and Ministry of Defense — official information on the airspace closure and drone incursion; Moldovan Police — recovered drone debris and forensic investigation; Norwegian Prime Minister’s Office — statement concerning the reported near encounter involving Zelenskyy’s aircraft.
