A Russian frigate fired two flares at a Danish military helicopter in international waters off Denmark’s coast yesterday (Monday), nearly hitting the aircraft. The Danish military, a NATO member, described the serious incident.
The Fennec military helicopter was on a routine mission documenting the Russian frigate when one of the flares passed close to it. Flares are pyrotechnic devices typically used as warning signals at sea.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen today (Tuesday) called the incident “unacceptable” and stressed it could have endangered lives. He added that Denmark is working to ensure all vessels can pass safely through Danish waters.
Rasmussen said Russia is “gradually moving the line on what it sees as acceptable behavior.” He announced he had summoned Russia’s ambassador to Denmark for a meeting following the incident. The Russian embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.