Russia has denied any involvement in the drone activity that disrupted air traffic at Copenhagen's Kastrup Airport. The incident, described as the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure, led to a major police operation and flight diversions. Danish authorities are investigating the origins of the drones, which are believed to be operated by a capable actor.
Russia Denies Involvement in Drone Incident at Copenhagen Airport
Russia Denies Involvement in Drone Incident at Copenhagen Airport
Russia denies having anything to do with the drones observed around Copenhagen's Kastrup Airport on Monday evening, reports AFP.
At around 8:30 PM on Monday, all air traffic at Kastrup was halted after two or three unidentified large drones were spotted in the area.
They approached from different directions and were located at various points over the airport.
A major police operation, including helicopters, was launched. Flights were redirected to nearby airports—primarily Billund and Aalborg, but also Malmö and Landvetter.
"What we saw last night is the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date," said Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in a statement.
Kremlin Denies Involvement
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismisses any Russian involvement, according to the Russian news agency Interfax.
"We hear baseless accusations from there every time," Peskov said, according to Interfax.
"Perhaps a party that takes a serious and responsible stance should not make such baseless accusations repeatedly."
The Russian denial comes in response to a post on X by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming that Russia violated Denmark's airspace without further specification.
"I can't say anything about that. Not because I don't want to, but because I don't know anything about it," said Jens Jespersen of the Copenhagen police during a press conference on Tuesday morning.
The drones at Kastrup indicate "the times we live in and what we as a society must be ready to handle," said Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in a statement.
"We are not ruling out any options regarding who is behind this. It is clear that this speaks to the development we have observed recently with other drone attacks, airspace violations, and cyberattacks on European airports."
"Capable Actor"
The drones disappeared on their own, according to Danish police. An intensive police investigation is underway to determine their origin and purpose.
The assessment is that it involves a "capable actor." This is based on the number, size of the drones, and their four-hour presence around the airport.
"It is an actor with the capacity, will, and tools to show themselves in this way. Perhaps also to practice," said Jens Jespersen.
Drone Alert in Malmö
Police told TV4 News that they were alerted about drones in Malmö late Monday evening and night.
"However, nothing has been confirmed, so no report has been filed," said police spokesperson Patrik Fors.