Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky narrowly avoided disaster after a drone targeted his aircraft as it prepared to depart from Moldova, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has revealed.
Zelensky was traveling to Oslo to attend the funeral of Norway’s King Harald when the incident occurred. Despite the terrifying close call, the Ukrainian leader arrived safely in Norway to pay his respects alongside other global dignitaries, including Prince William and Princess Anne, before continuing his journey to Canada.
A Close Call in Moldova
Prime Minister Støre highlighted the severe, everyday perils the Ukrainian leader faces, confirming that Zelensky’s plane was nearly struck by a drone during its takeoff sequence from Moldova. “That is the reality he is facing,” Støre told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK.
Støre noted that Zelensky appeared visibly fatigued during their discussions in Oslo, having been kept awake by late-night phone updates regarding relentless Russian missile and drone strikes back home in Ukraine.
Devastating Airstrikes and Air Defense Talks
While Zelensky traveled, Russian forces launched a devastating wave of strikes across Ukraine:
- Border Crossing Attack: A Russian drone strike on a border crossing with Moldova killed two civilians and injured three others.
- Kyiv Strikes: Overnight drone attacks on the capital city of Kyiv left one person dead and 14 others wounded.
- Sumy Shopping Center Strike: A separate strike on a shopping mall in the northern city of Sumy killed three people, with regional governor Oleh Hryhorov warning the casualty count could rise as rescue teams fight an active blaze.
In response to these escalating threats, Zelensky’s diplomatic talks in Oslo focused heavily on reinforcing Ukraine’s air defenses. Discussions included collaborative initiatives with defense companies to develop a European anti-ballistic missile system.
Trump Suggests Peace Deal is Possible
As tensions flare, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed to have had a “great conversation” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting a resolution to the war could be on the horizon. Trump noted that Putin is interested in making a deal, adding that the main obstacle is the personal animosity between the two warring leaders.
Meanwhile, Zelensky reiterated his call for immediate international action, noting that Ukrainian forces had recently struck a Russian naval base and oil terminal. “The aggression must be stopped here and now, before it spreads any further,” he urged.