Russia has strongly denied allegations of involvement in drone activity that caused disruptions at multiple airports in Denmark, calling the claims “absurd speculation” and a staged provocation aimed at escalating tensions over the war in Ukraine.

“It is evident that the incidents involving reported disruptions at Danish airports are a staged provocation,” the Russian Embassy in Denmark said in a statement on Thursday. “Undoubtedly, they will be used as a pretext for further escalating tension in the interests of forces seeking by all means to prolong the Ukrainian conflict and extend it to other countries. The Russian side firmly rejects the absurd speculations of involvement in the incidents.”

The statement came hours after Danish authorities shut Aalborg Airport and placed three others—Esbjerg, Sonderborg, and Skrydstrup—on alert following what officials described as “coordinated drone attacks.”

At a press conference, Denmark’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Copenhagen had reached out to NATO and the European Union and was considering triggering Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows consultations when a member feels threatened. He described the incident as a “hybrid attack” involving a systematic approach against critical infrastructure.

Authorities said military assets, including F-35 fighter jets and naval frigates, were on standby, and drones would be shot down if incidents recur.

The drone activity at Aalborg lasted around three hours before clearing. Similar disruptions were reported earlier this week at Copenhagen Airport, which Danish officials linked to possible Russian interference. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had termed those incursions the “most serious yet” against Denmark’s infrastructure.

Neighboring Norway also temporarily shut Oslo airport on Monday over drone concerns, adding to regional security anxieties.