Danish PM calls Russian frigate incident serious, part of wider pattern of aggression

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has described as serious an incident in which a Russian navy frigate fired two signal flares toward a helicopter belonging to the Danish Armed Forces. Her comments were reported by Danish broadcaster TV2.

Frederiksen said she was not surprised that such an incident occurred so close to Danish waters. She characterized it as part of a pattern seen across Europe, in which Russia is becoming increasingly aggressive and self-assured, intensifying its hybrid war against Europe.

According to the prime minister, Russia is testing and challenging NATO, seeking to intimidate European nations and sow discord. She said the appropriate response is for Europe to unite more closely and strengthen defense, both in Denmark and across the continent.

The incident occurred on Monday, when the Russian frigate fired the two signal flares toward the Danish helicopter. Denmark's Defense Minister Jeppe Bruus has convened all defense spokespeople in the Folketing, Denmark's parliament, for a briefing on the incident.