Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's aircraft narrowly avoided a collision with a drone while departing Moldova for Oslo, according to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The revelation came during an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK on Wednesday, where Støre described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers Zelenskyy faces daily.
"His flight was almost hit by a drone when it was taking off from Moldova. That is the reality he lives in," Støre told NRK. He did not provide further specifics about the near-miss, but the incident underscores the persistent threats from Russian drones and missiles that have become a hallmark of the war.
Zelenskyy arrived in Oslo on Tuesday evening to attend the funeral of King Harald V, who passed away after a long reign. The Ukrainian leader used the visit to hold high-level talks with Norwegian officials, including Prime Minister Støre, Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. Discussions centered on Norwegian military assistance to Ukraine, particularly air defence systems, as well as civilian aid.
Støre recounted a conversation with Zelenskyy about the previous night: "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." The Norwegian PM added, "It is a very dramatic situation. It makes a strong impression."
The near-miss with the drone occurred as Zelenskyy's plane was climbing out of Moldova, a country that has faced its own security challenges since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The incident highlights the constant threat posed by drones, which have been used extensively by Russian forces to target Ukrainian infrastructure and leadership.
Talks on air defence and industrial cooperation
During the Oslo meetings, the focus was on how Norway and other European allies could bolster Ukraine's air defence capabilities. Støre indicated that discussions are ongoing, with Norwegian industry exploring ways to supply air defence systems and potentially help Ukraine build its own. "We're not there yet. Industry is working together to see whether it is possible to provide air defence systems for Ukraine, but also to find an industrial solution that would allow them to build air defence systems themselves," he said.
The Norwegian PM used a vivid metaphor to describe Ukraine's urgent need: "To put it simply, they have holes in the roof." This comes as Ukraine continues to face relentless aerial attacks, with Russian drones striking targets in Kyiv and other cities, including the SBU headquarters.
Zelenskyy's visit to Oslo was brief; he departed after the funeral and headed to Canada for talks with leaders there, as confirmed by Støre. The trip underscores the diplomatic balancing act Zelenskyy must perform, attending solemn ceremonies while pressing allies for more military support.
The incident also draws attention to the broader issue of drone warfare in Europe. As Germany's drone gap illustrates, European nations are grappling with how to adapt to the proliferation of drones on the battlefield. The near-miss involving Zelenskyy's plane is a stark reminder of the stakes.
Norway has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, providing significant military and humanitarian aid. The talks in Oslo are part of a broader European effort to coordinate support, with Zelenskyy expecting a meeting with former US President Donald Trump later this month to discuss air defence and other needs.
As the war grinds on, the safety of Ukraine's leadership remains a paramount concern. The drone incident en route to Oslo is a chilling illustration of the perils that accompany every journey Zelenskyy undertakes, even to a funeral in a friendly Nordic capital.
