A plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from Moldova to Oslo was “almost” hit by a drone, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Wednesday, highlighting the security risks surrounding the Ukrainian leader even while he travels outside his country. Store disclosed the incident while speaking to Norwegian public broadcaster NRK but did not provide details about the type of drone, its location or how close it came to the aircraft.

“His flight was almost hit by a drone when it was taking off from Moldova. That is the reality he lives in,” Store told NRK. The Norwegian prime minister did not elaborate on whether the drone was intercepted, destroyed or diverted, and no further information about the circumstances of the incident was immediately provided. The statement came as Zelensky was visiting Norway for the funeral of King Harald, who died on August 28 at the age of 89.

Zelensky arrived in Oslo on Tuesday evening after travelling from Moldova. During his visit, he held talks with Store as well as Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. Discussions focused on Norway’s support for Ukraine, including military assistance and air-defence capabilities, as well as civilian aid. Air defence remains a major concern for Ukraine as it continues to face Russian attacks, making protection against drones and missiles a central element of international military assistance to Kyiv.

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The reported incident occurred as Zelensky was leaving Moldova for Norway, adding a security dimension to his diplomatic travel. Store’s account did not establish who operated the drone or whether it was connected to the ongoing war involving Russia and Ukraine. Norwegian authorities also did not immediately provide additional information about the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s departure. The lack of further details meant that the exact nature and implications of the reported near-miss remained unclear.

In Oslo, Zelensky joined other international dignitaries at the funeral of King Harald on Wednesday. The Ukrainian president’s attendance came during a wider period of diplomatic engagement, as Kyiv continues to seek international political, military and civilian support. Norway has been among the countries providing assistance to Ukraine, with air-defence support forming an important part of discussions between Norwegian and Ukrainian officials.

After attending the funeral, Zelensky left Norway for Canada, where he was scheduled to hold talks with Canadian leaders, Store told NRK. The journey marks another stage in Zelensky’s international diplomatic efforts as Ukraine continues to seek support from its allies and partners. Store’s disclosure about the drone incident also underscored the unusual security challenges faced by the Ukrainian president, with the reported near-miss occurring during an international trip rather than in Ukraine itself.

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