Support The Moscow Times!

Swedish PM Says Russia Likely Behind Airport Drones

Police inspect an area after drone sightings at Copenhagen Airport. EPA / TASS

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Monday Russia was likely behind mysterious drone flights over several Scandinavian airports ahead of an EU summit in Copenhagen.

Drone sightings across Norway and Denmark in particular since Sept. 22 have prompted the closure of several airports.

Speaking to broadcaster TV4, Kristersson said "the likelihood of this being about Russia wanting to send a message to countries supporting Ukraine is quite high" but stressed that "nobody really, really knows."

He added that "we have confirmation" that drones that entered Polish airspace earlier in September were Russian.

"Everything points to [Russia], but then all countries are cautious about singling out a country if they are not sure. In Poland, we know that's what it was," he said.

Drones were also observed over Danish military sites Saturday night for a second straight day.

Copenhagen is to host an EU summit on Wednesday and Thursday.

To ensure security around the summit, Denmark on Sunday said it was closing airspace to all civilian drone flights until Friday, so that enemy drones would not be confused for legal ones.

A violation can result in a fine or imprisonment for up to two years.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said this week that "there is one main country that poses a threat to Europe's security, and it is Russia."

Moscow said it "firmly rejects" any suggestion of involvement.

The string of drone sightings comes on the heels of drone incursions in Polish and Romanian territory and the violation of Estonian airspace by Russian fighter jets, which raised tensions in light of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

NATO has said it has "enhanced vigilance" in the Baltic following the intrusions.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more