Drone from Russia confirmed entering Moldova airspace where Ukrainian president's plane was staying
Quick Look
President Zelenskyy's claim was raised that Russia attempted to attack the Ukrainian presidential plane twice, and it was confirmed that a Russian drone entered Moldova's airspace, halting takeoffs and landings at Chisinau Airport.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, President Zelenskyy claims that he is being targeted by Russia during his overseas trip, and reveals that an airspace intrusion occurred while transiting through Moldova.
Drone from Russia confirmed entering Moldova airspace where Ukrainian president's plane was staying
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Kwak Min-seo = Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on the 15th (local time) that Russia attempted to attack the Ukrainian presidential plane twice.
It is claimed that Russia launched an attack attempt by directly targeting the private plane on which President Zelenskyy boarded.
President Zelenskyy said in an interview with CBS News that day, "My presidential plane was in Moldova, so they (Russia) attacked Moldova. They did the same when we returned home via Chisinau (Moldova's capital)."
President Zelenskyy claimed that the attack was part of Russia's strategy to threaten foreign leaders.
Previously, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gar Stere said in an interview with Norwegian public broadcaster NRK on the 9th, "The plane carrying Zelenskiy to Norway was almost hit by a drone the day before when it was about to take off from Moldova. This is the reality he faces."
At the time, President Zelenskyy was on his way to Oslo, Norway via Moldova to attend the funeral of King Harald V of Norway, when an external attack targeted the plane he was on.
In fact, in Moldova, takeoffs and landings at the capital Chisinau Airport were suspended for a while as two drones from Russia entered Moldova's airspace on the 8th.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Moldova will strengthen its request for security guarantees from NATO or the EU against Russian intrusions into its airspace.
Likely · Within weeks
Ukraine will further raise Russia's summit targeting strategy with the international community and call for strengthening sanctions.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Has there been any independent confirmation that Russia actually launched the drone?
- What is the specific motivation and command structure behind the drone launch?
- What diplomatic measures will Moldova take in response to this intrusion into its airspace?
