Russia warns Denmark after frigate fires flares near Danish helicopter in Baltic Sea

A Russian frigate in international waters off Denmark fired two warning flares that narrowly missed a Danish Fennec helicopter conducting a routine photographic mission, according to Denmark's defence command. The incident prompted Moscow to deliver a formal note to Copenhagen, with ambassador Vladimir Barbin blaming the Danish aircraft's "dangerous manoeuvres" and calling the actions "provocative".

Denmark's defence minister, Jeppe Bruus, said one flare passed within a few metres of the helicopter and described the Russian conduct as "deeply unprofessional seamanship". He added that while the incident is being taken seriously, it does not yet merit invoking NATO's Article 5 collective defence clause.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen characterised the event as part of a broader pattern of Russian hybrid tactics aimed at Europe, urging greater unity and stronger defences. A Kremlin spokesperson declined to comment, citing a lack of details.

The Danish Straits, a key Baltic shipping corridor, have been the site of previous tensions between the two countries. Russia later warned Western officials to assess travel risks to Ukraine following a separate drone strike on a rail line that had been used by former European leaders.