Denmark says Europe witnessing ‘disturbing shift’ amid Russian airspace violations and ‘unwanted drone activity’ – Europe live | Denmark

Denmark Sounds Alarm on Europe’s ‘Disturbing Shift’ Amid Rising Russian Airspace Violations and Unwanted Drone Activity – Europe Live


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Danish Prime Minister Highlights Alarming Developments Following Discussions with Regional, EU, and NATO Officials

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen engaged in conversations with her counterparts from Norway and Sweden, alongside consultations with leaders from the European Union and NATO, according to her office. This series of diplomatic talks took place amid rising concerns over recent security incidents in the region.

Frederiksen expressed her concerns, stating:

“Currently, we are observing a troubling transformation in the security landscape.

There have been incursions into Russian airspace and unauthorized drone activities across multiple European nations.

Last night served as a stark reminder of the era we inhabit, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard our peace and security.

Norwegian Prime Minister Sees Possible Link Between Drone Incidents

Following his discussion with Frederiksen, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told Dagbladet that there might be a connection between the drone events in Norway and Denmark, though he refrained from providing additional details.

He remarked, “It is deeply concerning and regrettable. I have just spoken with my Danish colleague Mette Frederiksen. Since a similar incident occurred in Copenhagen, there is reason to suspect a possible link between these events.

Støre also emphasized the necessity for enhanced NATO discussions aimed at bolstering the alliance’s capacity to counter drone threats.

As a reminder, Støre recently disclosed that Russian forces breached Norwegian airspace on three occasions over the past few months.

European Commission President Warns of Persistent Border Challenges

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared on social media that she had spoken with Frederiksen regarding the recent disturbances at Copenhagen Airport.

“While investigations are ongoing, it is evident that we face a recurring pattern of challenges at our borders.

Our vital infrastructure is under threat.

Europe will respond to these dangers with resilience and resolve.”

US Secret Service Disrupts Sophisticated Telecommunications Threat Near UN Assembly

In the United States, the Secret Service announced on Tuesday the dismantling of a covert, technologically advanced operation in the New York metropolitan area capable of interfering with cellular networks.

This discovery coincided with preparations for the annual United Nations General Assembly, held nearby.

Authorities revealed that the clandestine communication system involved over 100,000 SIM cards and 300 servers. Although the Secret Service has not confirmed a direct link to the UN assembly, the devices were concentrated within a 35-mile radius of the event, and investigations continue.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the General Assembly later today.

Poland to Reopen Border Crossings with Belarus

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that border crossings between Poland and Belarus will reopen at midnight from Wednesday to Thursday, as reported by Reuters.

Poland had closed its border earlier this month due to Russia-led military exercises conducted in Belarus.

Tusk explained, “The conclusion of these exercises reduces-though does not entirely eliminate-various threats. Considering the economic interests of Polish transport sectors, we have determined that this measure has fulfilled its purpose.

Background: Copenhagen Airport Drone Incident

For those just tuning in, Copenhagen Airport was forced to shut down for several hours last night following reports of drone sightings. Our Nordic correspondent, Miranda Bryant, provided detailed coverage of the event.

Copenhagen Airport during the drone-related closure.

Danish Prime Minister Labels Drone Incident at Copenhagen Airport as a Major Attack on Critical Infrastructure

The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has described the recent drone intrusion that caused the closure of Copenhagen Airport for several hours as the most severe assault on Denmark’s critical infrastructure to date. Authorities are actively investigating the event, which is suspected to be a hybrid attack, with Russia not being ruled out as a potential perpetrator.

According to Danish police reports, two to three large drones were observed near the airport on Monday night. This airport also serves as the primary gateway for southern Sweden. The drones appeared to be operated by a skilled individual or group, demonstrating advanced capabilities. The drones approached from various directions, intermittently switching their lights on and off over several hours before vanishing. No suspects have been identified so far.

Similarly, Oslo Airport, Norway’s main aviation hub, was compelled to suspend operations for three hours after two drones were spotted in its vicinity. These incidents stranded tens of thousands of passengers across the Nordic region, forcing numerous flight diversions. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the drone sightings in Denmark and Norway are connected.

“Denmark has faced its most serious attack on critical infrastructure,” stated Prime Minister Frederiksen, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. She added that while investigations continue, Russian involvement cannot be excluded at this stage.

Danish police noted the drones were likely controlled by a “capable operator” aiming to showcase specific operational skills. The drones’ erratic behavior, including light signals, suggested a deliberate display of capability.

Oslo Airport’s closure followed similar drone activity, highlighting a broader regional security concern.

NATO’s Response and Regional Security Concerns

Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General, addressed the Copenhagen incident, confirming he had spoken with Prime Minister Frederiksen but refrained from confirming any direct links to Russia. He described the event as involving “three large drones” and stated that Danish authorities are meticulously assessing the situation to uncover the motives and actors behind the attack.

Rutte reaffirmed NATO’s unwavering commitment to collective defense, emphasizing that all decisions regarding responses to aerial threats would be made in real time based on intelligence assessments. Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Alexus G. Grynkewich, holds the authority to determine appropriate measures.

Regarding a recent Russian airspace violation over Estonia, Rutte explained that the jets were deemed not to pose an immediate threat and were escorted out without escalation. However, he stressed NATO’s readiness to defend every inch of allied territory against any aggression.

Norway Reports Multiple Russian Airspace Violations

In a related development, the Norwegian government condemned Russia’s breach of Estonian airspace and disclosed that Russian aircraft violated Norwegian airspace three times during the spring and summer of this year. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described these incursions as smaller in scale compared to violations in Estonia, Poland, and Romania but nonetheless serious.

The incidents involved fighter jets such as the SU-24, SU-33, and L410 Turbolet, lasting between one and four minutes each. Norway has not determined whether these were intentional or navigational errors but has communicated its disapproval to Russian authorities.

NATO’s Strong Condemnation and Commitment

The North Atlantic Council issued a firm statement condemning Russia’s reckless violation of Estonian airspace, labeling it part of a broader pattern of irresponsible behavior. This marked the second time in two weeks that the Council convened under Article 4, following a significant drone incursion into Polish airspace.

The Council highlighted that other allies, including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Romania, have also experienced recent airspace violations by Russia. It held Russia fully accountable for these escalatory actions, which risk miscalculations and endanger lives, demanding an immediate halt.

“Russia must understand that NATO and its allies will utilize all necessary military and non-military means, in accordance with international law, to defend and deter threats from any direction,” the statement declared. “Our commitment to Article 5 remains steadfast.”

The alliance reaffirmed its dedication to bolstering defense capabilities, including enhancing air defense systems, and emphasized that support for Ukraine remains unwavering, recognizing its security as integral to the collective defense of NATO members.

Russia Denies Involvement in Drone Incidents

Despite the accusations, Russia has denied any connection to the drone flights that led to the closure of Copenhagen Airport. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations as baseless, criticizing the repeated unfounded accusations from Denmark and suggesting that responsible parties should refrain from such claims.

EU’s Coordinated Response to Drone Threats

EU defense spokesperson Thomas Regnier announced that Denmark will join a coalition of frontline countries, including Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania, in discussions with EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius regarding the establishment of a “drone wall” this Friday. This initiative aims to enhance collective drone defense capabilities across the region.

EU foreign policy spokesperson Anitta Hipper commented on the drone incidents in Denmark and Norway, characterizing them as part of a consistent pattern of reckless Russian actions. She emphasized solidarity with the affected countries and praised their swift responses while awaiting the outcomes of ongoing investigations.

“These drone incursions are not accidental but deliberate violations of European airspace,” Hipper stated. “Russia is testing European borders, probing our resolve, and undermining our security.”

She added that while investigations are ongoing, the pattern of drone violations points clearly to Russian involvement.

On Tuesday, Ukraine reported that Russian missile, drone, and bomb attacks resulted in the deaths of at least two civilians, while approximately 36 Ukrainian drones were detected heading toward Moscow, according to AP.

During the night, Russian warplanes launched five glide bombs targeting the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, causing the death of a man, as confirmed by the regional governor, Ivan Fedorov.

In the southern Odesa region, the town center of Tatarbunary was struck by Russian ballistic missiles, resulting in the death of a woman, according to Oleh Kiper, the regional head.

The Ukrainian air force reported that Russian forces had deployed three Iskander ballistic missiles along with 115 strike and decoy drones against Ukraine overnight.

Meanwhile, in Russia, Moscow’s mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced that over 40 Ukrainian drones approaching the capital were intercepted and destroyed between Monday evening and Tuesday midday.

As a consequence of the drone attack, flights at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport were temporarily suspended overnight, leading to delays and cancellations, AP noted.

NATO is convening this morning to address the recent Russian violation of Estonian airspace that occurred last Friday. The alliance’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, is expected to provide an update around 11:45 BST (12:45 CEST).

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen spoke briefly to the press this morning, expressing cautious concern about the incident. She stated, “I cannot exclude the possibility that Russia is involved. We have observed unauthorized drones over Poland, activity in Romania, breaches of Estonian airspace, and cyberattacks on European airports over the weekend. Recently, drones have also been spotted in Denmark, Oslo, and Norway. In my opinion, this constitutes a serious assault on Denmark’s critical infrastructure.”

In an interview reported by DR, Frederiksen suggested that the motive behind these drone incursions might be to cause disruption, sow anxiety, and test the resilience of national defenses.

The Danish military is reportedly engaged in investigating the drone disturbances at Copenhagen Airport, as reported by broadcaster TV2.

Authorities from Copenhagen Police and the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) held a press conference, describing the event as “a very serious situation.” Flemming Drejer, PET’s operational director, emphasized that Denmark faces an elevated risk of sabotage given the current international climate, and all potential leads are being thoroughly examined.

Anne Tønnes, director at Copenhagen Police, underscored that the incident represents a grave breach of Danish law. Danish media highlighted that Tønnes repeatedly referred to the event as an “attack,” emphasizing its impact on vital national infrastructure.

The press conference concluded with an indication that further updates might be forthcoming later today.

Last night, the two busiest airports in the Nordic region-Copenhagen and Oslo-were closed for several hours after drones were detected in their airspace late Monday. This disruption stranded tens of thousands of travelers as flights were diverted, delayed, or canceled.

Aerial view of Copenhagen Airport during drone-related closure

Nordic Airports Halted by Drone Incidents Amid Rising Security Concerns

By Jakub Krupa

Authorities in Denmark and Norway are reportedly coordinating to determine if recent drone-related disruptions at Copenhagen and Oslo airports are connected, according to NRK.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the Copenhagen airport incident as “the most severe assault on Denmark’s critical infrastructure to date.” In a statement to broadcaster TV2, she emphasized the gravity of the situation.

“This event reflects the challenging era we live in and highlights the preparedness society must maintain. We are not excluding any possibilities regarding the perpetrators behind this attack.”

“It is evident that this incident aligns with recent patterns of drone incursions, airspace breaches, and cyberattacks targeting European airports.”

Speculation about the responsible party has been widespread. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted at Russian involvement during discussions with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. The official statement on the Ukrainian presidency’s website noted their conversation about Russia’s repeated violations of NATO airspace, including the Copenhagen incident.

Zelenskyy warned that without a firm response from allied nations and institutions, Russia is likely to persist with its aggressive provocations, testing the resilience of European and NATO societies.

Further updates from Danish law enforcement are expected soon, with ongoing investigations involving the Danish military. The situation remains fluid as authorities assess the full impact on national security and critical infrastructure.

Stay tuned for continuous coverage and detailed analysis of this developing story.

Published: Tuesday, 23 September 2025

Trump Criticizes United Nations for Ineffectiveness in General Assembly Speech

During his address at the UN General Assembly, US President Donald Trump spent much of his speech highlighting his administration’s achievements, including his claim of ending seven wars during his tenure.

He openly criticized the United Nations, stating:

“It’s unfortunate that I had to take these actions instead of the United Nations stepping up. In every case, the UN failed to offer assistance.”

“Despite negotiating with leaders from all involved countries, I never received a single call from the UN offering to help finalize these deals.”

Trump also mocked the UN’s facilities, joking about a malfunctioning escalator and teleprompter, and questioned the organization’s purpose despite acknowledging its potential.

“All they do is issue strongly worded letters without follow-through. Empty words don’t resolve conflicts.”

He further lamented not being selected for a building renovation project at the UN, labeling the process as “corrupt.”

Turning to foreign policy, Trump condemned Iran’s ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons, emphasizing that such a development must never be allowed.

Observers await whether he will address issues concerning Russia or Ukraine during his speech.

Updated: Tuesday, 23 September 2025, 10:27 EDT

Live Coverage: Trump Addresses UN General Assembly

US President Donald Trump is currently delivering his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. Key developments related to Europe, including Russia and Ukraine, will be reported here as they unfold.

For more comprehensive updates on US affairs, please visit our dedicated US news blog.

Denmark Reports a ‘Disturbing Shift’ in Europe Amid Russian Airspace Breaches and Unwanted Drone Activity

World leaders convene at the U.N. for the 80th General Assembly - watch live
World leaders convene at the U.N. for the 80th General Assembly – watch live

Danish broadcaster TV2 has announced that all political party leaders are scheduled to attend a classified briefing today regarding the drone incident that occurred last night at Copenhagen Airport. The meeting will also include top officials from police and security agencies.

Norwegian Prime Minister Suggests Possible Link Between Drone Incidents

Following a conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed to Dagbladet that there is a plausible connection between the drone activities in Norway and Denmark, though he withheld further specifics.

“This is a deeply troubling situation. The incident in Copenhagen mirrors what happened here. Therefore, there is reasonable cause to suspect a connection,” Støre stated. He also emphasized the need for NATO to enhance its strategies to counter drone threats.

Note: Earlier today, Støre disclosed that Russian forces have breached Norwegian airspace on three occasions in recent months.

Danish Prime Minister Highlights a Worrying Trend in Europe

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen engaged in discussions with her counterparts from Norway and Sweden, as well as leaders from the European Union and NATO, underscoring the gravity of recent events.

“Currently, we are observing a troubling transformation. Russian incursions into airspace and unauthorized drone operations across multiple European nations are becoming more frequent. Last night’s events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges we face and the imperative to safeguard our peace and security.”

European Commission President Warns of Ongoing Border Challenges

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, shared on social media that she had a conversation with Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen about the recent disruption at Copenhagen Airport.

“Although investigations are ongoing, it is evident that we are witnessing a persistent pattern of challenges at our borders. Our essential infrastructure is under threat, and Europe will respond with resilience and determination.”

US Secret Service Disrupts Advanced Telecommunications Sabotage Ahead of UN Assembly

In the United States, the Secret Service announced on Tuesday the dismantling of a sophisticated covert operation in the New York metropolitan area capable of interfering with cellular networks. This discovery coincided with preparations for the annual United Nations General Assembly nearby.

The operation involved over 100,000 SIM cards and 300 servers. While authorities have not confirmed a direct link to the UN event, the devices were concentrated within a 35-mile radius of the assembly location. The investigation remains active.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the General Assembly later today.

Poland to Resume Border Crossings with Belarus

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that border crossings between Poland and Belarus will reopen at midnight from Wednesday to Thursday. The border had been closed earlier this month due to Russia-led military exercises in Belarus.

Tusk explained, “The conclusion of these exercises reduces, though does not entirely eliminate, various threats. Considering the economic interests of Polish transport sectors, we believe this measure has fulfilled its purpose.”

Danish Defence Minister Addresses Drone Incident

Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen refrained from commenting extensively on the Copenhagen airport drone event, stating that the situation is still under assessment. He indicated that Denmark will need to enhance its drone countermeasures and take new steps to protect vital infrastructure.

While Denmark already possesses some drone defense capabilities, Poulsen declined to provide further details.

Summary: Danish PM Labels Airport Drone Incident a ‘Serious Attack’ on Critical Infrastructure

For those just tuning in, Copenhagen Airport was forced to shut down for several hours last night following multiple drone sightings, as reported by Nordic correspondent Miranda Bryant.

Flight information board at Copenhagen Airport
Flight information display at Copenhagen Airport, Denmark. Photo: Sergei Gapon/AFP/Getty Images

The Danish Prime Minister described the event as the “most severe attack on Denmark’s critical infrastructure to date.” Authorities are investigating the suspected hybrid assault, with Russia not ruled out as a potential perpetrator.

Police reported that two or three large drones were observed near the airport, which also serves southern Sweden. These drones appeared to be operated by a skilled individual aiming to demonstrate specific capabilities. No suspects have been identified yet.

The drones approached from various directions, intermittently switching their lights on and off over several hours before vanishing.

Similarly, Oslo Airport, Norway’s primary aviation hub, was closed for three hours after two drones were spotted.

These incidents stranded tens of thousands of passengers across the Nordic region, causing flight diversions. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the two events are connected.

Dutch Prime Minister Comments on NATO’s Response

During a press conference, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was questioned about the drone incidents in Denmark and Norway and NATO’s potential reaction.

He reiterated that it is premature to speculate on the causes but assured that NATO has historically responded swiftly and decisively to such provocations, which should offer reassurance.

“The Russians are aware that if necessary, we will act without hesitation,” Rutte affirmed, concluding the briefing.

Rutte Condemns Russian Actions as Reckless and Unacceptable

Rutte emphasized that whether intentional or accidental, Russian activities are reckless and unacceptable, and must cease immediately.

He affirmed that these provocations will not deter NATO’s support for Ukraine, countering any assumptions to the contrary.


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