COPENHAGEN: The Russian embassy in Denmark said Thursday that Russia “firmly rejects” speculation that it was involved in drone flights that caused Danish airports to close twice this week, calling the incidents a “staged provocation.” “It is evident that the incidents involving reported disruptions at Danish airports are a staged provocation,” the embassy said in post to social media. “The Russian side firmly rejects the absurd speculations of involvement in the incidents,” it added.

Both airports have been reopened, with Danish police unable to confirm origin of drones.

The drone sightings near Danish and Norwegian airports come amid heightened concerns over Russia violating EU airspace.