New details emerge about Zelenskyy's plane during Russian drone incident in Moldova
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
A Russian drone violated Moldova's airspace on September 8, prompting authorities to temporarily restrict flights. At the time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's plane was at Chisinau International Airport, Moldova Liberă reported.
On the evening of September 8, Moldovan authorities temporarily closed the country's airspace after a Russian drone illegally crossed the border from Ukraine.
The violation was detected at around 4:20 p.m., and flight restrictions were introduced after 4:30 p.m. The decision was explained by the need to ensure the safety of aircraft that were in the skies over the country at the time.
The restrictions delayed three departures and four landings. Among the aircraft that were unable to depart on time was a plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His plane remained at Chisinau airport while the authorities monitored the situation with the drone.
Drone crashed in a field
After 5:20 p.m., Moldovan authorities confirmed that the drone had crashed and exploded near the village of Stari Mihaileni in Riscani District. The crash site was located approximately 160 kilometers from Chisinau International Airport.
After the incident was confirmed, the flight restrictions were lifted, and Zelenskyy's plane was able to depart after a delay. Moldovan government spokesman Dmitry Choric reported this.
Later, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said that Zelenskyy's plane had allegedly been almost hit by the drone while departing Moldova. However, in its statement, the Moldovan authorities confirmed that the aircraft had been delayed due to the closure of the airspace.
On September 8, a Shahed-type attack drone was detected flying over Moldova after crossing into the country's airspace. Due to the threat, the authorities temporarily restricted flights.
