World

Zelenskyy’s plane ‘almost hit’ by drone on way to Oslo, Norwegian PM says

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-09

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: A plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy experienced a near-miss with a drone while departing from Moldova to Oslo, as reported by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. • Why it matters: This incident highlights the dangerous conditions surrounding Zelenskyy's travel amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the precarious security situation he faces and the broader geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. • What to watch next: Observers should monitor the outcomes of Zelenskyy's discussions in Norway regarding defense collaboration, particularly the development of the FREYJA anti-ballistic missile system, and any further developments in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

**Zelenskyy’s Plane ‘Almost Hit’ by Drone on Route to Oslo, Norwegian PM Reports**

Oslo, Norway – A plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy experienced a near-miss with a drone while departing from Moldova en route to Oslo, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre revealed on September 9, 2026. The incident occurred just prior to Zelenskyy's arrival in Norway to attend the funeral of King Harald V.

During an interview with Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, Støre commented on the precarious nature of Zelenskyy's travel, stating, “His flight was almost hit by a drone when it was taking off from Moldova. That is the reality he lives in.” However, the Prime Minister did not provide specific details regarding the proximity of the drone to the aircraft or the source of this information.

Zelenskyy, who has been leading Ukraine through a prolonged conflict with Russia that began in February 2022, landed at Gardermoen Airport in Norway on the evening of September 8. His visit included participation in the funeral proceedings for King Harald V, alongside other dignitaries such as German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, and Moldovan President Maia Sandu.

While in Oslo, President Zelenskyy engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Støre, focusing on defense collaboration. The two leaders met with executives from the defense industry to advance a European anti-ballistic missile system known as FREYJA. In a social media post, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in defense, stating, “We expect to see the first practical results. I am grateful to Norway for hosting this meeting. I thank our partners for their readiness to work together. Protecting Europe’s skies is our shared responsibility.”

The discussions come at a critical time as Ukrainian officials reported that at least eight individuals lost their lives in recent Russian attacks, which occurred in regions near the Ukraine-Moldova border and in southeastern Ukraine. The ongoing conflict continues to pose significant challenges for Ukraine, as it seeks international support and security assurances.

Zelenskyy’s visit to Norway underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the importance of international cooperation in addressing security threats. As the situation evolves, the need for robust defense strategies and alliances remains a priority for Ukraine and its partners in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
World

Burnham defends UK ban on Israeli settlement trade

• What happened: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, citing concerns over human rights an...

World

IAEA board refers Iran to UN Security Council over nuclear ‘non-compliance’

• What happened: The IAEA Board of Governors has referred Iran to the UN Security Council for breaching its nuclear non-proliferation obligations, marking the f...

World

Iran referred to UN Security Council for nuclear non-compliance

• What happened: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has referred Iran to the UN Security Council for "non-compliance" with the Treaty on th...

World

UK man charged with assisting Russian military spies in sabotage plot

• What happened: British national Joshua Cammidge has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service after alleged interactions with Russian militar...

World

Yemen envoy warns of wider war as Houthis threaten Bab al-Mandeb Strait

• What happened: The Yemen envoy warned that the conflict is escalating as Houthi rebels advance along the Red Sea coast, threatening to disrupt vital maritime ...

World

Iraqi graduates protest for govt jobs amid unemployment crisis

• What happened: Over 1,000 medical and health graduates protested in Baghdad, demanding government jobs amid a youth unemployment rate exceeding 30 percent. ...