Denmark Summons Russian Ambassador After Frigate Fires Flares at Danish Helicopter
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Denmark escalated its diplomatic confrontation with Russia on Tuesday after Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summoned Russia's ambassador to Copenhagen following a dangerous incident in the Baltic Sea. A Russian frigate fired two flares at a Danish Air Force Fennec helicopter conducting routine photographic surveillance of the vessel in international waters near Gedser, Denmark's southernmost town. One flare passed close to the helicopter, prompting strong condemnation from Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who called the action reckless and intended to intimidate European nations. Russia, through Ambassador Vladimir Barbin, pushed back, asserting that the Danish helicopter was the provocateur and that this was not an isolated incident.
Key Points
- The incident occurred Monday when a Danish Fennec helicopter was conducting routine photographic surveillance of a Russian frigate in international waters off Gedser
- The Russian frigate fired two flares toward the helicopter, with one passing at close range, according to the Danish Armed Forces
- Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the action "reckless" and said "Russian actions are meant to intimidate and divide. They will not succeed"
- Russian Ambassador Vladimir Barbin blamed the helicopter, saying it was carrying out "dangerous flyovers and low-altitude hovering"
- Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summoned the ambassador, calling the actions "completely unacceptable" and potentially life-threatening
- Denmark does not plan to invoke NATO's Article 4 or Article 5, saying it is in ongoing dialogue with allies
- Barbin noted he had raised similar concerns about Danish helicopter behavior near Russian warships with the foreign ministry last year
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the growing tensions between NATO members and Russia in the Baltic Sea region, where military encounters have become increasingly frequent. While Denmark has chosen not to escalate through formal NATO consultations, the confrontation underscores the delicate balance between routine surveillance operations and actions that could inadvertently trigger a broader international crisis .
The incident highlights the growing tensions between NATO members and Russia in the Baltic Sea region, where military encounters have become increasingly frequent. While Denmark has chosen not to escalate through formal NATO consultations, the confrontation underscores the delicate balance between routine surveillance operations and actions that could inadvertently trigger a broader international crisis .