Drone almost struck Zelenskyy’s plane, says Ukraine

Live updates

1. 38d ago

   Zelenskyy warns of massive Russian attack on Kyiv

   President Zelenskyy reports that Vladimir Putin is planning a massive attack on Kyiv following warnings from a NATO commander. In response to the escalating conflict, Zelenskyy has called for an energy ceasefire with Russia. He also informed Donald Trump that he is prepared to participate in a trilateral meeting with Putin to discuss the war. These developments follow a period of heightened aerial tension and previous attempted attacks on the Ukrainian presidential aircraft.

   Why it matters

   The conflict has expanded to include large-scale drone operations and covert sabotage efforts. European intelligence leaders previously warned that Russia is testing NATO limits through increased risk appetite.

   Still unconfirmed

   • President Zelenskyy claims Vladimir Putin is planning a massive attack on Kyiv.
   • Zelenskyy requested an energy ceasefire with Russia.
   • Zelenskyy told Donald Trump he is ready for a trilateral meeting with Putin.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of a trilateral meeting between Zelenskyy, Putin, and Trump.
   • Evidence of Russian troop or missile movements toward Kyiv.
   • Russia's response to the energy ceasefire request.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.yahoo.com — Burnham blames Russia for rise of UK’s ‘far-Right’ in UN speech
   2. www.inkl.com — Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky says Putin is planning ‘massive’ attack on Kyiv after Nato commander’s warning
   confidence 70%
2. 39d ago

   Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Strike on Moscow as European Officials Warn of NATO Tests

   Ukraine launched 1,000 drones at Russia in an operation targeting Moscow. The attack killed two people and wounded 20 in the wider Moscow region, according to a local official. The strike is described by the mayor as the largest ever attack on the capital, involving hundreds of drones. Meanwhile, European intelligence chiefs warn that Russia is preparing to test NATO limits through growing risk appetite, sabotage, and covert operations against nations supporting Ukraine. This escalation follows previous incidents involving attempted aerial attacks on the Ukrainian presidential plane over Moldova.

   Why it matters

   Intelligence officials warn that Russia's appetite for risk is growing, with covert attacks and sabotage targeting countries that support Ukraine. European leaders believe Moscow is actively preparing to test NATO boundaries. This operational backdrop follows prior aerial threats directed at Ukrainian leadership, including reported drone incidents affecting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's aircraft during flights through Moldovan airspace.

   What is confirmed

   • Ukraine launched 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds fired at Moscow in an attack described by the mayor as the largest ever.
   • The wider Moscow region attack killed two people and wounded 20, according to a local official.

   What to watch next

   • Assessments from European intelligence chiefs regarding further Russian attempts to test NATO limits.
   • Responses from Russian authorities regarding casualties and damage from the drone strikes in Moscow.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.cbsnews.com — Ukraine launches 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds fired at Moscow in what mayor describes as "largest ever" attack
   2. www.theguardian.com — Tuesday briefing: Europe thinks Russia is preparing to test Nato’s limits
   confidence 100%
3. 41d ago

   Ukraine reports Russian drone threats against Zelenskyy aircraft

   President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reports that Russia twice attempted to attack his presidential plane during flights over Moldova. He characterized these actions as intimidation. The first incident occurred during a trip to Oslo for the funeral of the Norwegian king, causing several flights to be grounded. A second attack happened as Zelenskyy flew home through Chisinau. Moldovan officials confirmed a drone crashed on their soil during the first encounter, which eventually allowed the aircraft to take off.

   Why it matters

   These incursions occur as Russia holds parliamentary elections to secure Kremlin power. The State Duma remains under the control of the United Russia party.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russia attempted to attack the presidential aircraft of Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice while it flew over Moldova.
   • A Russian drone forced the grounding of several flights during Zelenskyy's travel to Oslo.
   • A second drone attack occurred as the president returned home through Chisinau.
   • Moldovan officials confirmed a drone crashed on their territory during the first incident.

   What to watch next

   • Official statements from the Moldovan government regarding the crashed drone.
   • Diplomatic responses from Norway regarding the flight disruption during the king's funeral.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.aljazeera.com — Ukraine fires drone barrage as Russia launches elections
   2. uk.news.yahoo.com — Russia votes in wartime parliamentary election set to secure the Kremlin’s power
   confidence 70%
4. 44d ago

   Zelenskyy Claims Russia Twice Targeted Presidential Jet Over Moldova

   President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia attempted to attack his presidential aircraft twice while flying over Moldova. Zelenskyy described the incursions as an intimidation attempt. The first incident occurred during his travel to Oslo for the Norwegian king's funeral, when a Russian drone forced the grounding of several flights. A second similar attack took place as the president returned home through Chisinau. Moldovan officials previously confirmed a drone crashed on their territory during the first incident, allowing the aircraft to eventually depart.

   Why it matters

   These events mark a rare instance of Russian drones operating in the airspace of Moldova, a neutral neighbor. The incidents highlight the risks to the Ukrainian head of state during diplomatic travel. It remains unclear if the drones were intended for a direct strike or served as a signal of Russian reach.

   What is confirmed

   • Russian drones entered Moldovan airspace during President Zelenskyy's visit.
   • A Russian drone crashed on Moldovan territory, which led to the grounding of multiple flights including the presidential jet.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russia targeted the presidential jet twice as an intimidation attempt.
   • The second attack occurred during the return flight through Chisinau.

   What to watch next

   • Official Moldovan government confirmation of the second drone incursion
   • Intelligence reports on the specific drone models used in the attacks
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. en.tempo.co — Ukraine: Russian Strikes Injure Several in Kyiv, Odesa
   2. www.jpost.com — Zelensky says Russia twice targeted his plane over Moldova in what he calls an intimidation attempt
   3. ca.style.yahoo.com — Sean Penn Gave Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy His Oscar Trophy and Told Him to Keep It Until His Country 'Wins' the War: Watch
   confidence 80%
5. 44d ago

   Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Two Recent Attempts to Attack His Aircraft

   President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims Russia attempted to attack his plane twice in recent weeks. This follows a specific incident in Moldovan airspace where two drones entered the area during the president's visit. The Moldovan government previously confirmed a Russian drone incursion forced the grounding of several flights, including Zelenskyy's aircraft, while he traveled to Oslo for the funeral of the Norwegian king. The plane departed after the drone crashed on Moldovan territory.

   Why it matters

   Russia has increased drone incursions into Moldovan and Romanian airspace. Ukraine is currently developing faster interceptor drones to counter a new generation of Russian jet-powered Shahed attack drones.

   What is confirmed

   • Two drones entered Moldovan airspace during President Zelenskyy's trip to the country.
   • A Russian drone incursion forced the temporary grounding of flights, including the aircraft carrying President Zelenskyy.
   • Ukraine is designing faster interceptor drones to counter jet-powered Shahed attack drones.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russia attempted to attack President Zelenskyy's plane twice in recent weeks.

   What to watch next

   • Deployment of new Ukrainian interceptor drones against jet-powered Shaheds.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.newscientist.com — Jet-powered drones pose a new threat to Ukraine – can they be stopped?
   2. www.ksat.com — Some Russians are fleeing abroad, citing draft fears and a loss of freedom
   3. www.yahoo.com — Zelenskyy Says Russia Twice Targeted His Plane
   4. www.theguardian.com — Ukraine war briefing: New anti-drone weapon scores hit amid race against Shahed jets
   5. www.aa.com.tr — Zelenskyy accuses Russia of attempting to attack his plane twice in recent weeks
   confidence 80%
6. 47d ago

   Moldovan Government Confirms Russian Drone Delayed Zelenskyy Flight

   The Moldovan government confirmed Thursday that a Russian drone incursion forced the temporary grounding of several flights, including the aircraft carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The incident occurred as Zelenskyy traveled to Oslo for the funeral of the Norwegian king. Moldovan authorities previously stated the plane departed after the drone crashed on Moldovan territory. This event follows a pattern of increasing Russian drone incursions into the airspace of both Moldova and Romania.

   Why it matters

   Moldova and Romania are bordering nations where Russian drone activity has become more frequent. These incursions complicate regional aviation safety and signal a broadening of Russia's aerial operations beyond Ukrainian borders.

   What is confirmed

   • A Russian drone incursion into Moldovan airspace forced authorities to ground several flights, including one carrying President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
   • The drone incident occurred while Zelenskyy was traveling to Oslo for the funeral of the Norwegian king.

   What to watch next

   • Official reports on the drone's origin and intent from Moldovan intelligence
   • Further diplomatic responses from Norway or Romania regarding the airspace violation
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.arkansasonline.com — Moldova claims Russian drone delayed flights
   2. en.tempo.co — Ukraine: Russian Strike on Kyiv Gas Station Kills 2
   3. en.tempo.co — Russia's Drone War Comes to Moldova and Romania
   4. www.clickorlando.com — Trump calls on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian diesel fuel, saying attacks causing a shortage
   confidence 100%
7. 50d ago

   Drone nearly strikes Zelenskyy's plane during takeoff from Moldova

   A drone almost hit President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's aircraft on Tuesday during takeoff from Moldova. The Norwegian Prime Minister and Ukrainian officials reported the incident occurred while Zelenskyy was traveling to Oslo for the funeral of the Norwegian king. The incursion caused a temporary closure of Chișinău airspace. Moldovan authorities later confirmed a Russian drone was involved and stated the aircraft departed after the drone crashed on Moldovan territory.

   Why it matters

   This incident highlights the security risks facing the Ukrainian president during international travel. The event took place in Moldova, a neighboring country that has faced increasing Russian influence and hybrid threats.

   What is confirmed

   • A drone almost hit President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's plane on Tuesday during takeoff from Moldova.
   • Zelenskyy was traveling to Oslo for the funeral of the Norwegian king.
   • The Norwegian Prime Minister reported that the aircraft was nearly struck.
   • Moldova confirmed a Russian drone was involved and that Chișinău airspace was temporarily closed.
   • The aircraft took off after the drone was found to have come down on Moldovan territory.

   What to watch next

   • Official statements from the Russian government regarding the drone incursion
   • Further technical details from Moldovan aviation authorities on the drone's origin
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. Al Jazeera — Zelenskyy’s plane ‘almost hit’ by drone on way to Oslo, Norwegian PM says
   2. CBS News — Zelenskyy's plane almost hit by drone en route to Norway king's funeral, prime minister says
   3. Reuters — Zelenskiy's plane almost hit by drone on Tuesday, Norway PM says
   4. Financial Times — Drone almost struck Zelenskyy’s plane, says Ukraine
   5. The Washington Post — Plane carrying Zelensky threatened by drone in Moldova, Norway’s premier says
   6. NBC News — Flight carrying Zelenskyy to Norway was delayed in Moldova because of drone incursion
   7. Fox News — Drone nearly strikes Zelenskyy’s plane before takeoff for Norwegian king’s funeral, PM says
   8. www.yahoo.com — Drone nearly strikes Zelenskyy’s plane before takeoff for Norwegian king’s funeral, PM says
   9. www.irishtimes.com — Drone almost struck Zelenskiy’s plane, says Ukraine
   10. news.abplive.com — Zelenskyy’s Plane ‘Almost Hit By Drone’ During Take-Off From Moldova, Norway PM Says
   11. en.tempo.co — Norway's PM: Zelenskyy's Plane Almost Hit by Drone
   confidence 100%