Did Russia Really Have a Hand in the Drone Disruptions at Danish Airports?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Russian Embassy denies involvement in drone disruptions.
- Claims labeled as absurd speculation with potential motives questioned.
- Denmark shut down Aalborg airport and alerted others.
- Possible invocation of NATO's Article 4 discussed.
- Authorities authorize drone shoot-downs if needed.
Copenhagen, Sep 25 (NationPress) The Russian Embassy in Denmark has dismissed claims suggesting Moscow's involvement in the drone incidents that disrupted operations at Danish airports as "absurd speculation". The embassy highlighted that such allegations may serve as a pretext for further escalating tensions, benefiting those who wish to extend the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
"It is clear that the reports of disruptions at Danish airports are a planned provocation. These incidents will undoubtedly be used to heighten tensions, furthering the aims of groups intent on prolonging the Ukrainian conflict and expanding it to other nations," stated a release from the Russian Embassy in Denmark in response to media inquiries.
"The Russian side categorically rejects the nonsensical claims of involvement in these incidents," they added.
Earlier today, Denmark reached out to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union (EU) after shutting down Aalborg airport and placing three other airports on heightened alert due to unauthorized drones executing what authorities described as "coordinated attacks".
During a press conference, Danish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen indicated that the country is considering invoking Article 4 of NATO, citing a hybrid attack involving a "systematic approach" to deploying drones near vital infrastructure, as reported by Euro News.
Authorities have granted permission to shoot down drones if similar incidents occur in the future. "We will track down those responsible for this. We possess various military resources, including F-35 fighters and frigates, to defend Denmark," Poulsen stated.
Danish police confirmed that Aalborg airport was closed, with Esbjerg, Sonderborg, and Skrydstrup airports also affected overnight.
Reports indicate that the drones, which disrupted operations at Aalborg airport, departed the area after approximately three hours.
Previously, drone incursions in Denmark have been suspected of involving Russian interference. A similar incident impacted Copenhagen airport on Monday. Officials noted that the drones at Aalborg mirrored the pattern of those that caused interruptions at Copenhagen. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the drone attack as "the most serious yet against Denmark's infrastructure."
Norwegian authorities also closed the airspace at Oslo airport for three hours on Monday due to potential dangers from unauthorized drone activity, as reported by Euro News.