COPENHAGEN: Denmark summoned Russia’s ambassador after Russian warship flares passed close to a Danish military helicopter during a routine surveillance mission over the Baltic Sea, Danish officials said.
The Royal Danish Air Force Fennec helicopter photographed a Russian frigate in international waters off Gedser, southern Denmark, on Monday, September 14, when the ship fired two flares toward it. One passed within “a matter of metres,” Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said. No crew members were injured.
Bruus said the frigate gave no radio warning or other communication before firing. Denmark regularly photographs Russian warships transiting the area, but Bruus said he could not recall a similar confrontation.
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the incident unacceptable and said it could have endangered lives. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described Russia’s action as reckless and accused Moscow of seeking to intimidate NATO countries.
Russian Ambassador Vladimir Barbin rejected Denmark’s account of responsibility, alleging that Danish helicopters had previously made dangerous manoeuvres near Russian warships. He said Moscow would investigate the circumstances.
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The incident does not automatically trigger NATO’s Article 5 collective-defence clause. NATO says it assesses an “armed attack” case by case, and collective action also requires the affected ally to request or consent to Article 5 assistance. Denmark has not sought Article 5 action over the flare incident.
