Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian president, has labeled the threat to President Zelensky’s aircraft as “ephemeral,” asserting that such a danger did not exist. He noted that Ukrainian authorities have recognized this fact. Despite this, the presence of a Russian drone in Moldovan airspace did not seem to alarm him, although Russia frequently denies any involvement in violations of other countries’ airspace.
Earlier reports by “Suspilne” indicated that Zelensky’s aircraft was not airborne at the same time as the Russian drone, remaining on the ground. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials monitored the drone’s movements within Moldovan airspace, waiting for it to disappear from radar. Ukraine had also suggested deploying F-16 fighters to eliminate hostile targets, but this did not come to fruition.
There was no discussion about the drone being a threat; rather, the necessary security measures put in place by Ukraine and Moldova were highlighted.
Moldovan Ambassador to the U.S. Vlad Kulminsky commented to CNN that Moldova does not believe in the accidental appearance of Russian drones in its territory while Zelensky’s aircraft is on the ground at the airport. When asked whether the Moldovan authorities consider the drone to have been aimed at Zelensky, he did not provide a direct answer, stating that the investigation is ongoing and “it is too early to draw conclusions.” However, he added that it is well known that Zelensky uses Moldovan airspace for his international visits and noted that “this is likely not the first instance of something like this occurring.”
Context
- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre previously reported that a drone nearly collided with Zelensky’s plane during takeoff, emphasizing the reality in which the Ukrainian president operates. Zelensky had departed from Moldova on the evening of September 8 to attend the funeral of King Harald V in Oslo.
- Later, the Norwegian Prime Minister’s office clarified that the president’s flight was delayed due to the drone threat in Moldovan airspace. Takeoff permission was granted only after confirmation that the drone had fallen on Moldovan territory. Prior to this, three departures and four arrivals at the airport were also delayed.
