Denmark to Speed Up Ukraine Aid Package After Russian Warship Incident
Denmark says it will accelerate delivery of a roughly DKK 1.8 billion aid package to Ukraine after a Russian warship fired signal flares at a Danish military helicopter. The package will focus on air defence needs.
Denmark has decided to speed up the delivery of aid to Ukraine following an incident in which a Russian warship fired signal flares at a Danish Armed Forces helicopter, narrowly missing the aircraft. Reuters reported the news, as cited by European Pravda.
The new aid package for Ukraine is estimated at DKK 1.8 billion, or roughly US$276 million, and will be focused primarily on air defence needs, according to the Danish government.
Defence Minister's Response
Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus told reporters that Denmark's answer to Russia's actions would be the opposite of what an aggressor might hope for. He said that if Russia believes it can rattle Denmark through such incidents, the country's response will be to increase its support for Ukraine faster than originally planned.
Background to the Incident
The incident took place on 15 September, when a Russian warship fired signal flares at a helicopter belonging to the Danish Armed Forces. Russia's Ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, blamed the Danish military, accusing it of a "provocation" over its manoeuvres near the Russian vessel.
Russia's Defence Ministry subsequently awarded a medal to the ship's captain.
