Norway's PM: Zelenskyy's plane almost hit by drone

Live updates

1. 35d ago

   Russian Drone Disrupted Zelenskyy Flight to Norway

   President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported two recent Russian attempts to target his aircraft. A confirmed drone incursion occurred Tuesday in Moldovan airspace while Zelenskyy traveled to Norway for a royal funeral. This event caused flight delays. While the president claims he was targeted, a Ukrainian presidential source says the risk to the president was exaggerated. These incidents coincide with increased Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and warnings from intelligence chiefs that Russia is increasing its appetite for risk through covert attacks against nations supporting Ukraine.

   Why it matters

   The incident occurred amid a pattern of Russian attacks on apartment buildings and gas stations. Front-line military movement remains largely stalled. European intelligence officials now believe Russia is using sabotage to test the limits of Nato.

   What is confirmed

   • A Russian drone disrupted President Zelenskyy's flight through Moldovan airspace on Tuesday.
   • The flight to Norway for a royal funeral suffered delays due to the drone incursion.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The risk to President Zelenskyy during the flight was exaggerated.

   What to watch next

   • Official Moldovan or Norwegian aviation reports on the drone incursion
   • Further intelligence briefings on Russian sabotage in Europe
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.theguardian.com — Tuesday briefing: Europe thinks Russia is preparing to test Nato’s limits
   2. en.tempo.co — Haaland Scores Twice as Norway Beats Denmark 3-2 in Nations League
   confidence 80%
2. 44d ago

   Zelenskyy Alleges Two Recent Russian Attempts to Strike His Aircraft

   President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims Russia tried twice in recent weeks to target his plane. This follows a confirmed incident on Tuesday where a Russian drone disrupted his flight through Moldovan airspace while he traveled to Norway for a royal funeral. While the flight suffered delays due to the incursion, a Ukrainian presidential source has described claims that the president was at risk as exaggerated. These events occur as Russia increases strikes on civilian targets, including gas stations and apartment buildings, while front-line fighting remains mostly stalled.

   Why it matters

   Moldova and Norway have both verified the aerial incursion that delayed Zelenskyy's flight. The shift toward hitting civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and Odesa suggests a broader Russian strategy. Discrepancies between the president's claims and his own staff's assessment create uncertainty regarding the actual level of danger.

   What is confirmed

   • A Russian drone incursion disrupted President Zelenskyy's flight through Moldovan airspace on Tuesday.
   • The flight was traveling to Norway for the king's funeral.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Claims that President Zelenskyy was at risk during these incidents were exaggerated.

   What to watch next

   • Official response from the Kremlin regarding the alleged aircraft targets
   • Further verification of the second attempted strike from Moldovan or NATO sources
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. en.tempo.co — Ukraine: Russian Strike on Kyiv Gas Station Kills 2
   2. www.trtworld.com — Zelenskyy accuses Russia of trying twice to strike his plane in recent weeks
   3. en.tempo.co — Ukraine: Russian Strikes Injure Several in Kyiv, Odesa
   confidence 80%
3. 49d ago

   Zelenskyy's Plane Almost Hit by Drone in Moldova

   An aircraft carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was nearly struck by a drone on Tuesday while traveling through Moldovan airspace. The flight was en route to Norway for the king's funeral and suffered delays due to the aerial incursion. Norwegian Prime Minister officials and Ukrainian authorities confirmed the close call, which a NATO member source identified as involving a Russian drone. Moldova also verified that a Russian drone incursion disrupted the flight schedule.

   Why it matters

   The incident highlights ongoing security vulnerabilities in Eastern European airspace amid the broader conflict involving Russia. Leaders traveling near active zones face severe risks from errant or targeted aerial threats. The disruption during a diplomatic journey to a high-profile state event underscores the volatile conditions surrounding international transit for Ukrainian officials.

   What is confirmed

   • An aircraft carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was nearly struck by a drone on Tuesday.
   • The flight was traveling through Moldovan airspace en route to Norway for the king's funeral.
   • The flight faced delays due to a drone incursion.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A NATO member source stated that the drone involved was a Russian drone.

   What to watch next

   • Official investigation reports from Moldova regarding the drone's trajectory and origin.
   • Further diplomatic statements from Norway and Ukraine concerning the near-miss.
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. CBS News — Zelenskyy's plane almost hit by drone en route to Norway king's funeral, prime minister says
   2. Reuters — Zelenskiy's plane almost hit by drone on Tuesday, Norway PM says
   3. dw.com — Norway's PM: Zelenskyy's plane almost hit by drone
   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. Business Insider — Zelenskyy's plane was 'almost hit' by a Russian drone over Moldovan airspace, NATO member says
   8. Bloomberg.com — Zelenskyy’s Plane Almost Struck by a Drone, Norwegian PM Says
   9. Euronews.com — Timeline: How a Russian drone nearly hit Zelenskyy's plane in Moldova
   10. The New York Times — Russian Drone Incursion Delayed Zelensky Flight to Oslo, Moldova Says
   11. BBC — Russian drone incursion delays Zelensky flight from Moldova
   confidence 95%