Russia and Denmark trade blame over Baltic Sea flare incident

A Russian frigate fired two warning flares at a Danish military helicopter during a routine monitoring mission in the Baltic Sea, with both nations blaming the other for the dangerous encounter. The incident occurred on Monday, September 15, 2026, in international waters off the Danish coast near Gedser. The Danish armed forces stated that one of its Fennec helicopters was conducting a photographic operation of the Russian frigate when it was fired upon. Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus reported that one flare passed within meters of the aircraft, accusing Russia of "deeply unprofessional seamanship." The Danish foreign ministry described the action as "completely unacceptable." Russia's ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, delivered a formal diplomatic note demanding steps to prevent a repeat of the incident. He blamed the helicopter's "dangerous manoeuvres" and "provocative actions," stating this was not the first time Danish helicopters had flown near Russian warships. The Russian ambassador said Moscow would "thoroughly investigate all the circumstances.