Denmark summons ambassador after Russian frigate incident

Denmark summons Russia’s ambassador after frigate incident

Denmark alleged that a Russian frigate fired a signal flare at a military helicopter operating in international waters on Monday. Copenhagen summoned Russia’s ambassador after one of the flares passed close to the helicopter.

Scraper SystemSeptember 15, 2026, 01:02 PM

Denmark summons Russia’s ambassador after frigate incident

An incident involving a Russian frigate and a Danish military helicopter prompted a diplomatic response from Copenhagen. Danish authorities alleged that a signal flare was fired at the helicopter, which was operating in international waters, and that one of the flares passed close to it.

According to Danish military officials, the Fennec helicopter was carrying out a routine mission to film the Russian frigate. One of the pyrotechnic devices, which are mostly used as warning signals at sea, approached the helicopter dangerously closely.

Copenhagen’s diplomatic response to Moscow

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the incident as “unacceptable.” Rasmussen said the action could have put people’s lives at risk and announced that Denmark had summoned Russia’s ambassador to Denmark for a meeting.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the development as serious but not surprising. Frederiksen reiterated her assessment that Russia was intensifying its so-called hybrid campaign against the European Union and NATO, and said solidarity in Europe should be strengthened while Denmark’s and Europe’s defenses should be reinforced.

Rasmussen said Denmark was working to ensure that all ships could pass safely through the country’s waters. The minister said Russia was increasingly testing the limits of acceptable behavior. Russia’s embassy in Copenhagen did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The role of Denmark’s straits in security and energy routes

Denmark’s straits are among the main maritime routes for commercial and military vessels entering and leaving the Baltic Sea. The passages also form an important artery for global oil shipments, including oil transported from Russia.

The same routes are used to transport oil by tankers known as the “shadow fleet,” which are used to circumvent Western sanctions.

Denmark summons Russia’s ambassador after frigate incident