Story perspectives

Zelenskyy’s Plane Nearly Hit by Russian Drone in Moldova

9/10/2026

Left

Zelenskyy Drone Threat

A plane carrying President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was nearly hit by a drone during takeoff from Moldova on 9 September 2026.
President Maia Sandu said the suspected Russian Shahed-type drone, which also entered Romanian airspace, was a threat, prompting NATO to scramble jets.
Moldovan authorities closed the airspace, delaying three departures and four arrivals during the investigation.
Zelenskyy met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo to discuss European air-defence, FREYJA.

Right

Zelenskyy Drone Near-miss

A plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was nearly hit by a drone during take-off from Chisinau Airport, Moldova, on 9 September 2026.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stressed Zelenskyy’s danger, saying the aircraft was “almost hit by a drone.”
Officials said Russian drones were involved, one crashing north of Chisinau and igniting a fire.
The airport halted flights, diverting them abroad, and Zelenskyy later discussed air-defence aid in Oslo.

Center

Zelenskyy Drone Near-miss

A plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was nearly hit by a drone while taking off from Chisinau Airport on 9 September 2026.
The aircraft was en route to Norway’s King Harald V funeral, underscoring the trip’s diplomatic importance.
Moldovan authorities closed the airspace, delaying three departures—including Zelenskyy’s flight.
Police said a Russian Geran-type drone crashed in a Riscani sunflower field, sparking four fires but causing no injuries.

Blindspot

Moldovan President Maia Sandu reported that a separate Russian drone strike killed two people at a border crossing and noted that NATO fighter jets were scrambled after a suspected Shahed-type drone entered Romanian airspace.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center- and Right-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

Since Russia first deployed Iranian-made Shahed loitering munitions against Kyiv in October 2022, the drones have repeatedly breached NATO airspace, prompting alerts in Romania and Moldova. Ukraine’s counter-UAS network, backed by NATO, intercepted over 80% of 2,628 Shahed attacks recorded in early 2024. The 2026 Chisinau near-miss reflects this ongoing pattern and drives faster NATO air-defence integration.

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Zelenskyy Drone Threat

A plane carrying President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was nearly hit by a drone during takeoff from Moldova on 9 September 2026.
President Maia Sandu said the suspected Russian Shahed-type drone, which also entered Romanian airspace, was a threat, prompting NATO to scramble jets.
Moldovan authorities closed the airspace, delaying three departures and four arrivals during the investigation.
Zelenskyy met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo to discuss European air-defence, FREYJA.

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