Russian drone incursion delays Zelensky flight
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's flight from Moldova to Norway was delayed for an hour due to a Russian drone entering Moldovan airspace. The drone eventually crashed 160km away, allowing the flight to proceed safely.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing regional security risks posed by the Russia-Ukraine war and the potential for spillover into neighboring countries.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Zelensky's plane after it successfully landed in Norway after flying in from Moldova
A plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was delayed by a Russian drone this week as his jet prepared to take off from Moldova to fly to Oslo.
Zelensky and his wife Olena were on their plane at Chisinau, ahead of Wednesday's funeral of Norway's King Harald V when the unmanned Russian aircraft crossed over the Moldovan border.
The drone prompted an immediate airspace shutdown and Zelensky's jet was left on the runway for around an hour before it was cleared for take off.
The flight was only authorised after it was confirmed the drone had come down 160km (100 miles) away in the village of Mihăilenii Vechi.
Zelensky's plane had been due to take off at around 16:30 local time (14:30 GMT) from Chisinau International Airport.
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