Tensions in the Baltic escalate: Russian flares near Danish helicopter and drone shot down in Lithuania

Two separate incidents in the Baltic Sea region have heightened concern in Europe and prompted accusations against Russia over provocative actions. A Russian warship deployed two flares near a Danish military helicopter, while NATO fighter jets shot down a drone in Lithuania that was carrying an explosive device.

The first incident occurred off Denmark’s southern coast, in international waters, during a routine photography mission. According to Danish authorities, the Russian frigate launched two emergency flares toward a Fennec helicopter belonging to the Danish Air Force, one of which passed just a few meters from the aircraft.

Danish Defense Minister Jeppe Bruus said there had been no warning or radio communication with the Russian vessel before the flares were deployed. He said the helicopter crew had been following standard procedures to photograph the frigate, an action that had also been carried out on previous occasions.

Following the incident, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced that he had summoned the Russian ambassador to Denmark to request an explanation. Rasmussen called the action unacceptable and warned that such maneuvers could endanger people’s lives.

Russia’s ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, gave a different account of events. He claimed that Danish helicopters had earlier carried out dangerous maneuvers near Russian warships, accusing them of provocative behavior.

Meanwhile, another incident was recorded in Lithuania, where a drone entered the country’s airspace and was intercepted by NATO fighter jets. The aircraft was shot down near the village of Pratkūnai, about 100 kilometers west of Vilnius.

Lithuanian authorities reported that the drone had remained inside Lithuanian airspace for approximately 30 minutes and had passed near populated areas before being shot down. The National Crisis Management Center assessed that it had most likely entered from Belarusian territory.

During an inspection of the site where the drone came down, teams discovered an explosive device, which was subsequently neutralized. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said it was highly likely that the drone had come from Russia.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda described the intervention by NATO aircraft as a development of importance for regional security. He made the statement at a time when Russia is intensifying its war against Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the events in Denmark and Lithuania should not be viewed as isolated episodes. According to her, they are part of a broader pattern of Russian aggression and provocation against Europe.

Von der Leyen added that these developments were testing the readiness and resolve of European countries. She also stressed that Europe’s response to such actions would become increasingly resolute.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen condemned what she described as a reckless act by Russia against the Danish military. According to her, the aim of Russia’s actions is to intimidate and divide Europe.