Russia Fires Missiles Near Danish Military Helicopter; Denmark Accelerates $276 Million Ukraine Aid Package
Tensions between Denmark and Russia have escalated after a Russian frigate reportedly fired two missiles in the direction of a Danish Fennec military helicopter conducting a routine surveillance mission over international waters near Denmark, according to Danish authorities and Reuters.
The missiles reportedly passed dangerously close to the helicopter. Danish authorities said the Russian vessel had not issued a prior radio warning.
Copenhagen described the incident as a risky maneuver, summoned Russia’s ambassador and condemned what it characterized as increasingly aggressive Russian behavior.
Moscow disputed Denmark’s account, accusing the Danish helicopter of conducting dangerous maneuvers near the Russian frigate and saying an investigation would be launched.
🇩🇰 Denmark’s response came through increased support for Ukraine.
The Danish government announced that it would accelerate a military aid package worth 1.8 billion Danish kroner approximately $276 million with a major focus on strengthening Ukraine’s air-defense capabilities.
Defense Minister Jeppe Bruus said Russian provocations would not reduce Denmark’s support for Kyiv, but instead reinforce Copenhagen’s determination to continue assisting Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen delivered a similar message, saying attempts at intimidation would not weaken Danish support for Ukraine.
The incident was not treated as an attack on Danish territory, and Copenhagen did not invoke NATO’s collective-defense provisions.
The episode nevertheless highlights growing tensions in the Baltic Sea, where encounters between Russian and NATO aircraft and naval forces carry the risk of escalating into a more serious confrontation.
Source: Reuters