Zelenskyy makes surprise stopover at Chișinău Airport: “Thank you for the hospitality”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled on Sunday to the United Kingdom, transiting through Chișinău International Airport “Eugen Doga,” a fact he confirmed in a Facebook post. The Kyiv leader thanked Moldovan authorities for their hospitality, calling it a safe departure point for his flight to London.
The Ukrainian president confirmed that he met with senior US officials while at Chișinău Airport.
"During a stopover at Chișinău Airport, I held talks with US President's representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. It was a very positive conversation," Zelenskyy wrote, adding that the discussions focused on ways to end Russia's war against Ukraine and on international meetings scheduled for this month, including the G7 Summit.
"We understand that much of the world's attention is focused on the situation surrounding Iran. However, our shared goal of achieving peace in Europe remains on the agenda. I also shared the information we have regarding Moscow's intentions," Zelenskyy added.
"Thank you, America. Thank you, Moldova, for your hospitality," the Ukrainian president concluded.
The stopover marked a first for Moldova. Until now, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had typically used Poland's Rzeszów Jasionka Airport for official foreign trips, European Pravda reported.
According to flight-tracking platform FlightAware, Zelenskyy's aircraft departed Rzeszów on the morning of Sunday, June 7, landed in Chișinău, and then continued to London.
The change comes amid recent tensions between Ukraine and Poland following Kyiv's decision to grant a Special Operations Forces unit the honorary title "Heroes of the UPA."
During his visit to London, Zelenskyy met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the E3 Ukraine format. The leaders discussed diplomatic efforts to end the war and achieve peace.
