Danish authorities expressed displeasure, claiming that a Russian warship fired flares at their military helicopter, which was performing routine duties in international waters.
On Tuesday, 15 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Danish officials accused a Russian warship of firing two emergency signal flares at a Danish Air Force Fennec helicopter while it was conducting a routine patrol and reconnaissance mission in international waters off the coast of Gedser. One flare flew dangerously close to the aircraft.
Denmark's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador, declaring the behavior "completely unacceptable."
Meanwhile, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen condemned Russia's actions as "reckless" and intended to intimidate. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the incident as one of Russia’s provocations and aggression toward Europe.
The Danish Defense Minister revealed that the crew of the Russian frigate made no attempt to communicate with the helicopter prior to the incident.
Russian Ambassador Vladimir Barbin confirmed an investigation would be conducted but countered that the Danish helicopter provoked the incident by flying dangerously close to the Russian warship, citing a similar event that occurred last year.
This incident occurred amid heightened security tensions in several parts of Eastern Europe. In Lithuania, NATO fighter jets shot down a drone after it violated Lithuanian airspace near the city of Kaunas; the drone was believed to have originated from Belarus, a Russian ally.
Poland reported conducting a defensive air operation in its airspace on Monday night to protect its skies after detecting a Russian drone flying an attack mission near the Ukrainian border.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:bbc