Denmark warns of record-high Russian threats and surge in hybrid attacks
Illustrative photo: Denmark records sharp rise in risks and Russian hybrid attacks (GettyImages)
Denmark’s military intelligence service has stated that the country is facing the highest level of external threats in many years due to the rise in global conflicts and great-power competition, according to Reuters.
According to the intelligence assessment, the greatest danger for Denmark comes from Russia and China, whose actions increasingly undermine security stability in Europe and around the world.
"The world's great powers are increasingly prioritising their own interests and using force to achieve their goals," the report emphasizes.
The intelligence service notes that Russia’s war against Ukraine remains the key factor shaping the security situation in Europe. Although there is currently no direct threat of an attack on Denmark, the report predicts further growth in Russian military activity near NATO borders.
The report also highlights that the role of the United States as the guarantor of European security, "uncertainty has arisen". This, according to Danish analysts, could encourage Moscow to intensify hybrid attacks against Alliance member states.
Against this backdrop, Denmark is already experiencing suspicious incidents: in September, unidentified drones appeared several times near the country’s strategic facilities, prompting temporary closures of the airports in Copenhagen and Aalborg. The government viewed this as psychological pressure within a hybrid operation.
Drones over the EU
In 2025, Germany reported a sharp increase in unauthorized drone activity — over one thousand incidents — including above naval facilities of the Bundeswehr. Drone activity was also recorded near the airports of Brussels and Liège, causing disruptions to air traffic.
Similar situations have been observed in several other European countries.
Against this backdrop, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, ahead of his meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, stated that Russia is "ready for war right now" with Europe if Europe starts it first. He insisted that Moscow "does not intend to fight," but Europe allegedly seeks to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia and is making unacceptable demands. Putin also claimed that Europe had abandoned negotiations.
"Russia has not intended and does not intend to fight Europe, but if Europe starts — we are ready. Then the moment may quickly come when there is no one left to negotiate with," he added.
