Zelenskyy's Plane Forced to Delay Takeoff by Russian Drone: Norway PM Calls It the 'Reality He Lives In'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's journey to Norway was disrupted when Moldova briefly closed its airspace for about an hour because of a Russian drone that 'almost hit' his plane. The incident occurred as he was flying from Moldova to Norway to attend the funeral of King Harald V.

'His flight was almost hit by a drone when it was taking off from Moldova,' said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. 'That is the reality he lives in.'

'Not a Good Night'

Støre did not disclose more details about the incident but said he talked to Zelenskyy, who admitted his night was not going so well. 'I asked him how his night had been, and he said it had not been a good night because he had been on the phone receiving updates about where the missiles had struck,' Støre told a Norwegian broadcast station.

A Ukrainian presidential source later described the suggestion that Zelenskyy's plane was at risk as 'exaggerated,' saying there had been a Russian drone alert in Moldova and Romania.

'It is a very dramatic situation. It makes a strong impression,' Støre added. The Moldovan government spokesperson confirmed the incident happened on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, shortly before takeoff at Chișinău International Airport.

A spokesperson said Zelenskyy's departure was delayed following a drone alert. The flight was eventually cleared after the government confirmed that the drone had come down. According to Moldovan authorities, the drone, which was identified as Russian, crashed in a sunflower field on the outskirts of a village in the Riscani district.

Four fires reportedly broke out due to the crash. No one was reported injured. Government spokesperson Dumitru Ciorici said three departures were delayed when the airspace was closed to protect flying aircraft.

Drone Crash in Moldova

According to reports, the drone entered Moldovan airspace and crossed into Romania. Two F-18 jets from the Spanish Air and Space Forces were scrambled to track the drone.

'Investigations identified the point of impact, where an explosion occurred and a crater of considerable size was formed,' police said of the drone's crash. Moldovan police said fragments had characteristics and a propulsion system similar to a Geran-type drone that is prominent in Russia's continued war with Ukraine.

Romania and Moldova have reported many drone incidents in their area ever since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Zelenskyy's Tribute to Norway

Zelenskyy is yet to address the latest incident. On social media, he expressed gratitude to Norway: 'We paid our respects to King Harald V. Ukraine will always be grateful to Norway for all its assistance. This support comes not only from the government, but also from the Royal Family and all the people of Norway.'

'I recall with gratitude our warm meeting with His Majesty and the special attention he paid to Ukraine. He was a monarch who, for over 35 years, embodied Norway—its openness, dignity, and respect for people. Over that time, our bond with Norway has grown especially strong,' Zelenskyy also said, while sharing photos of the King's funeral.

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