NATO officials denounced a Russian frigate for firing signal flares at a Danish military helicopter in international waters, calling the move a reckless attempt at intimidation.

NATO has labeled an incident involving a Russian frigate and a Danish military helicopter as a reckless and irresponsible act. On Monday, a Russian vessel fired two signal flares toward a Danish Air Force Fennec helicopter operating in international waters near the coastal town of Gedser. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart stated that while the action was intended to intimidate allies, it would not succeed in deterring the alliance's defense of its territory or its support for Ukraine.

Details of the Incident

The Danish helicopter was conducting routine photographic surveillance of the Russian frigate when the flares were deployed. According to the Danish Defense Ministry, one of the two flares passed within a short distance of the aircraft. Denmark has since briefed its NATO allies on the encounter.

Diplomatic Response

In response to the event, Denmark summoned the Russian ambassador, Vladimir Barbin, to address the situation. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described the incident as "completely unacceptable," while Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen characterized the event as part of an intensified hybrid war by Russia against Europe. Conversely, the Russian ambassador claimed that the Danish helicopter had provoked the frigate through its maneuvers.