Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russia of attacking the Republic of Moldova twice with drones while he was in transit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of carrying out two drone attacks in the Republic of Moldova, days apart, to intimidate him during his travels. The statements were made in an interview with CBS News, published on September 15.

The first attempt allegedly took place on September 9, when the Ukrainian presidential aircraft was crossing the airspace of the Republic of Moldova en route to Norway. Zelensky was scheduled to meet Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo, ahead of the funeral of King Harald V. According to the Ukrainian leader, his aircraft was targeted because it was in Moldova.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre had previously stated that Zelensky’s aircraft was “almost hit” by a drone while taking off from the Republic of Moldova. Ukrainian officials later said that all members of the presidential delegation were safe.

Zelensky said a second incident allegedly occurred on his return to Ukraine, after visits to Iceland and Canada, where he signed a 100-year partnership with Ottawa. The Ukrainian president said the return journey also passed through Chișinău and that the attack was not reported to the press at the time.

The Kyiv leader noted that Russia may not have intended to hit him personally, but suggested that the actions were part of a strategy to intimidate him and other foreign leaders.