Denmark Summons Russian Ambassador After Frigate Fires Flares Toward Military Helicopter

Sep. 15, 2026 Rune Dyrholm / Forsvaret Denmark has summoned Russia's ambassador after accusing a Russian frigate of firing flares toward a Danish military helicopter in international waters on Monday, narrowly missing the aircraft. The Fennec military helicopter was on a routine mission to photograph the Russian frigate, Danish military officials said in a statement late Monday. One of the flares — pyrotechnics usually used as a warning signal at sea — passed close to the helicopter. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the incident was serious but not surprising, describing it as part of a pattern in which Russia has intensified its so-called hybrid campaign against the European Union and NATO. "Russia wants to sow fear and discord. Our answer is to stand closer together and strengthen the defense of Denmark and Europe," Frederiksen said. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the incident "unacceptable" and said it could have endangered people's lives. "Denmark is working to ensure that all shipping can pass peacefully through Danish waters, but Russia is gradually moving the line for what it considers acceptable behavior," Rasmussen said in a statement. He said he had summoned Russia's ambassador to Denmark for a meeting. The Russian Embassy in Copenhagen did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Danish straits are the main sea route in and out of the Baltic Sea for commercial and military shipping. They are also a major artery for global oil shipments, including from Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions. Reuters contributed reporting. Read more about: Denmark , Diplomacy Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Denmark Threatens to Seize Russian Embassy in Copenhagen, Ambassador Says Ambassador Vladimir Barbin said the mayor’s office “is threatening to reclaim the land on which the Russian diplomatic mission buildings are situated... 2 Min read Russia's Ties With India and Pakistan, Explained The Moscow Times examines Russia’s relationship with both India and Pakistan amid a flare-up in tensions between the two countries. 4 Min read Rubio Warns U.S. Will End Mediation Unless It Sees ‘Concrete Proposals’ From Russia and Ukraine "If there is not progress, we will step back as mediators in this process," the State Department spokeswoman said. 1 Min read U.S. Reportedly Pressuring Russia to Sell Shuttered Diplomatic Properties Russian diplomats are not pleased with the proposal