Zelensky suspects Russia knew his location as drones approached his plane in Moldova

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his conviction that Russia deliberately sent unmanned aerial vehicles into Moldovan airspace exactly at the moment when his plane was in that area.

During an interview with CBS News, he said the event happened on September 8, while he was traveling from Moldova to Norway. According to the President, a drone passed near his plane. Earlier, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre had said that Zelensky’s aircraft “nearly collided” with a drone.

A similar situation was repeated on the return trip to Ukraine, via Chisinau, where one or two drones again penetrated Moldovan airspace. “I believe they were aware,” the Ukrainian head of state declared, implying that Russian movements could be linked to the fact that he was there.

Earlier, the Moldovan Ministry of Defense had confirmed the violation of airspace by a drone, but had not officially linked the incident to the Ukrainian President’s trip.

In the same interview, Zelensky said Ukraine is open to an unconditional ceasefire along the current front line, provided Russia does the same. According to him, this halt in fighting could pave the way for diplomatic talks mediated by international allies.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian President confirmed his readiness for a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin if that would contribute to ending the conflict. However, he rejected the suggestion that the war could end simply with territorial concessions, arguing that his country needs strong security guarantees to avoid another escalation.

As for the proposal to suspend strikes on energy facilities, Zelensky said it remains unclear whether such a ceasefire is actually being implemented. According to him, Kyiv seeks concrete proof that Moscow is willing to respect that agreement.