A Russian warship has been spotted off the coast of Denmark. According to Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet, the ship had its tracking system off, which indicates it was trying to avoid detection.
The ship, identified as the Baltic Fleet’s Aleksandr Shabalin, was spotted by a helicopter near Langeland on Thursday, September 25. It comes following a series of drone attacks in Denmark’s airspace which closed major airports used for military and commercial flights. Drones were also spotted near Skrydstrup air base which homes F-16 and F-35 fighter jets.
As reported by Newsweek, Russia has denied any involvement in the drone operations. However, the “hybrid attack” sparked Denmark to invoke NATO Article 4 which states: “The parties will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the parties is threatened.”
Meanwhile, Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said: “There is no doubt that Russia will be a threat to Europe and Denmark for years to come.”
He added: “There is one main country that poses a threat to Europe’s security, and it is Russia.”
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also said on X: “Just spoke with Denmark’s PM Mette Frederiksen about the drone situation, which we take very seriously. NATO Allies and Denmark are working together on how we can ensure the safety and security of our critical infrastructure.”
On Friday, September 26 drones were spotted near Denmark’s Karup airbase which prompted the closure of civil airspace. The airbase is used by the Royal Danish Airforce, where around 3,500 people are employed.
Last Monday, September 22, Copenhagen Airport was temporarily closed due to drone activity as fears of potential Russian involvement were sparked. There were similar disruptions at Aalborg and Billund airports on Wednesday.
Danish officials suspect the activity was linked to a Russian operation targeting NATO countries supporting Ukraine. Police are also investigating drone sightings at Orland airbase in the west of Denmark.
However, Moscow said it “firmly rejects” claims it was involved in any of the incidents. The Russian Embassy in Copenhagen labelled them a “staged provocation”.
