Copenhagen, Denmark – Danish authorities announced on Tuesday the formal summoning of the Russian ambassador to Copenhagen. The move aims to secure an urgent explanation and clarification regarding a serious alleged security incident in the international waters of the Baltic Sea. This summons comes amidst escalating tensions between the nations bordering the sea and Russian military forces.
Details of the incident and the Russian frigate’s maneuver
According to the French newspaper *Le Figaro*, citing an official statement from the Danish military command, the incident occurred on Monday in international waters off the coast of Gedser. It took place while a Danish military “Fennec” helicopter was conducting a routine photography and surveillance mission near a Russian naval frigate. Military reports indicated that the Russian warship fired two flares toward the Danish helicopter; one of these flares passed in dangerously close proximity to the aircraft’s airframe and crew, posing an unjustified risk.
High-level political condemnations and firm stances
For her part, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was quick to strongly condemn what she described as “irresponsible and reckless behavior” by the Russian side toward a Danish military aircraft. In a firm statement, Frederiksen said: “Russian actions and maneuvers aim to intimidate and sow division, but they will never succeed, and we will not yield to such practices.”
In the same vein, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the incident as “completely unacceptable,” stating that it constitutes a serious violation of rules of engagement and maritime and aerial safety protocols. The Foreign Ministry confirmed that it had formally summoned the Russian ambassador to demand a satisfactory explanation regarding the circumstances of this escalation on the ground. This development comes amidst rising security tensions in the Baltic Sea region and heightened surveillance operations by NATO nations in anticipation of any contingency.
