Denmark Accuses Russian Frigate of Firing Flares at Military Helicopter Near Gedser
Danish officials have accused a Russian frigate of launching flares at a Danish military helicopter that was performing a routine photographic mission in international waters near Gedser, the southernmost town in Denmark. A statement from the Danish armed forces released late Monday indicated that two flares were directed at one of the air force's Fennec helicopters, with one narrowly missing the aircraft. This incident led to a heated diplomatic exchange between Denmark and Russia on Tuesday, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen denouncing the act as "reckless action from Russia." The confrontation occurred during a standard observation mission of the Russian vessel, further escalating tensions between Copenhagen and Moscow amid recent maritime and aerial encounters in the Baltic region.
Key facts
- A Russian frigate fired flares at a Danish military helicopter
- The helicopter was on a routine photographic operation of the Russian frigate
- The incident occurred in international waters off Gedser, Denmark's southernmost town
- Two flares were fired toward the helicopter, one passing at close range
- The helicopter was an air force Fennec
- The Danish armed forces announced the incident in a statement late Monday
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called it 'reckless action from Russia'
- Denmark and Russia engaged in a war of words on Tuesday
Entities
Artists
- Mette Frederiksen
Institutions
- Danish armed forces
- air force
- South China Morning Post
Locations
- Denmark
- Russia
- Gedser