COPENHAGEN, Denmark — There’s a buzzing unease in Denmark lately. Trine, a hotel receptionist, has trouble sleeping because of mysterious drones flying overhead. “Living close to the airport means lots of noise,” she says, mimicking the sound of whirring blades. She’s not the only one feeling anxious.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has voiced serious concerns, calling the situation a “hybrid war.” She suggests this is the most precarious time for Europe since World War II, with Russia being the main suspect behind the drone flights. “Only one country would do this,” she says.
The Danish Defence Intelligence Service reports that Russia is using hybrid tactics—political and military maneuvers—to weaken Denmark without crossing into outright conflict. With high-level meetings of European leaders happening in Copenhagen, the U.S. and NATO allies have stepped in with military and technical support to counter these aerial intrusions.
The recent surge in drone activity has led to heightened tensions. Trine’s family, like many others, is now thinking about emergency plans. She checks their canned food supply and stocks up on water. “We prepped, we prepared,” she explains.
Historically, Denmark, a NATO member, felt secure from major conflicts. However, as history shows, feelings of safety can change quickly. The current situation resembles reactions from earlier wars. In Sweden, for instance, there was a similar panic following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The country quickly revamped its emergency shelters, realizing vulnerabilities they never acknowledged before.
Social media shows Danes actively discussing their worries. There are runs on essential supplies, like water and battery-powered radios. One store manager noted, “Water containers are flying off the shelves.” People are concerned and preparing for a possible emergency.
Jakob Hallgren, a former ambassador, advises the Danish government to follow Sweden’s lead and ensure public shelters are ready. “It’s high time to assess the risks,” he insists.
Meanwhile, many Danes wish the government would take a more aggressive stance against the drones, with some joking about taking matters into their own hands. Trine even laughed about borrowing a weapon from her policeman husband.
This new normal in Denmark is forcing families to rethink their safety. The country, once seemingly distant from such threats, is now facing a reality that has changed overnight. For Trine and others, the question remains: What do we do next?
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