A Russian frigate fired two flares toward a Danish military helicopter conducting a routine photographic mission in international waters off southern Denmark on Monday. One flare passed close to the aircraft, according to the Danish Armed Forces.

The incident took place near Gedser in the Baltic Sea. The Danish Defence Command stated that the Fennec helicopter was performing standard monitoring of the Russian vessel when the flares were deployed. No damage or injuries resulted.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described the action as completely unacceptable and summoned the Russian ambassador for a meeting. He noted that Russia appears to be shifting boundaries on acceptable behavior at sea.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the move reckless and stated that Russian actions aim to intimidate and divide but will not succeed. Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus highlighted it as the first incident of this kind involving Denmark and a sign of increased Russian risk tolerance.

The Russian ambassador indicated that Moscow would investigate the circumstances while accusing Danish forces of provocative maneuvers near Russian ships.

The event adds to ongoing tensions along NATO's eastern flank amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Similar confrontations have occurred in recent months involving Russian vessels and Western forces.