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Russian Drones Fly Over Moldova as Zelensky’s Plane Passes
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Drone Incursions Over Moldovan Airspace
On September 9, Moldovan authorities reported that two Russian drones entered the country’s airspace. One drone landed in a field north of Chisinau, igniting a fire, while the second continued into Romanian airspace. The alert prompted Moldovan officials to close the airspace and delay President Volodymyr Zelensky’s departure for Norway. A second set of incursions occurred on September 14, when two drones again crossed Moldovan airspace, each remaining for roughly ten minutes within an hour-long window.
Background and Immediate Context
President Zelensky was transiting Moldova en route to Oslo, Norway, to attend the funeral of King Harald V, and later returned to Ukraine via the same corridor. The timing of both drone flights coincided with the presence of his presidential jet in Chisinau, leading Zelensky to link the attacks to his movements.
Official Statements & Responses
Moldovan officials confirmed the airspace closures on both dates, citing drone alerts. President Zelensky said he believes the drones were meant to intimidate him and other European leaders. Norway’s prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, stated that the presidential plane was “almost hit” by a drone as it attempted to take off from Moldova.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In Moldova, my presidential jet was there, and that's why they attacked Moldova,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, targeted ukrainian president
- “His plane was almost hit by a drone as it was about to take off from Moldova. That is the reality he is facing,” — Jonas Gahr Stoere, norwegian prime minister
- “They attacked Moldova when my presidential aircraft was there. Perhaps they did not intend to attack me personally,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ukrainian president
- “My presidential plane was in Moldova, and that's why they (Russia) attacked Moldova,” — President Zelenskyy, ukrainian president
- “When we returned through Chisinau (Moldova's capital) again, they did the exact same thing.” — President Zelenskyy, ukrainian president
