Zelensky’s plane was forced to delay take-off due to a Russian drone: the Norwegian Prime Minister called this “the reality in which he lives”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s trip to Norway was cut short when Moldova briefly closed its airspace for about an hour due to a Russian drone that “almost shot down” his plane. The incident occurred while he was flying from Moldova to Norway to attend the funeral of King Harald V.

“His plane was almost shot down by a drone as it took off from Moldova,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said. “This is the reality he lives in.”

“Not good night”

Støre did not reveal details of the incident, but said he spoke with Zelensky, who admitted his night had not gone well. “I asked him how his night was and he said it wasn’t a good night because he was on the phone and getting news about where the missiles had hit,” Støre told a Norwegian radio station.

A Ukrainian presidential source later called speculation that Zelensky’s plane was in danger “exaggerated,” saying the alarm had been raised by Russian drones in Moldova and Romania.

“This is a very dramatic situation. This makes a strong impression,” added Støre. A representative of the Moldovan government confirmed that the incident occurred on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, shortly before takeoff at Chisinau International Airport.

The spokesman said Zelensky’s departure was delayed due to the drone signal. The flight was eventually cleared after the government confirmed the drone had gone down. According to Moldovan authorities, the drone, which was identified as Russian, crashed in a sunflower field on the outskirts of the village of Riscani district.

Four fires were reported as a result of the crash. It is reported that no one was injured. Government spokesman Dumitru Corici said three flights were delayed due to airspace closures to protect flying aircraft.

Drone crash in Moldova

According to reports, the drone entered Moldavian airspace and crossed the Romanian border. Two Spanish Air Force F-18s scrambled to track the drone.

“The investigation revealed the point of impact, where an explosion occurred and a crater of significant size was formed,” police said about the drone crash. Moldovan police said the fragments had characteristics and a propulsion system similar to the Geran-type drone, which is widely used in Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.

Romania and Moldova have reported multiple drone incidents in their region since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Zelensky’s tribute to Norway

Zelensky has yet to comment on the latest incident. On social networks, he expressed gratitude to Norway: “We paid our respects to King Harald V. Ukraine will always be grateful to Norway for all its help. This support comes not only from the government, but also from the royal family and all the people of Norway.”

“I remember with gratitude our warm meeting with His Majesty and the special attention he paid to Ukraine. He was a monarch who for more than 35 years embodied Norway’s openness, dignity and respect for people. During this time, our connection with Norway has especially strengthened,” Zelensky also said, sharing photos of the king’s funeral.

Thousands of Norwegians lined the streets of Oslo to bid farewell to King Harald V, who ruled the country for 35 years. The coffin was carried in procession from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral.