Title: Denmark Imposes Drone Flight Ban Amid Security Concerns

COPENHAGEN — Denmark has announced a ban on civil drone flights following multiple sightings of drones near military facilities. The ban, effective from Monday through Friday of the upcoming week, comes after a series of drone incursions that led to temporary closures of several Danish airports, including a nearly four-hour shutdown of Copenhagen Airport last Monday.

The Danish military confirmed it had deployed various resources in response to the overnight drone sightings but did not provide further details on its actions. Officials have labeled the drone activity as part of a "hybrid attack," raising alarms about security in the region.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has suggested that Russia may be behind the drone activity, calling it a primary threat to European security. However, the Kremlin has denied any involvement. The recent drone sightings have heightened concerns about potential Russian aggression in northern Europe, particularly following a week of similar incidents at five Danish airports.

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the need for heightened security, stating, "We are currently in a difficult security situation, and we must ensure the best possible working conditions for the armed forces and the police when they are responsible for security during the EU summit."

Denmark is set to host European leaders on Wednesday, followed by a summit on Thursday involving the 47-member European Political Community, which aims to strengthen ties among EU and allied nations in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In preparation for these high-profile events, a German air defense frigate has arrived in Copenhagen to assist with airspace surveillance. Following a NATO meeting in Riga, Latvia, Colonel Martin O'Donnell, a spokesperson for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, announced that NATO would enhance vigilance in the Baltic Sea region, including Denmark, under the initiative known as Baltic Sentry.

The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to monitor drone activity and assess security measures leading up to the upcoming summits.