Russia summons Danish envoy over helicopter incident

Russia summoned Denmark's ambassador on Wednesday to protest what Moscow called dangerous manoeuvres by a Danish military helicopter during an incident with a Russian warship earlier in September.

The incident took place on September 14, when the helicopter was photographing a Russian naval frigate in international waters, the Danish military said. Denmark said one of the ship's flares passed close to the helicopter and called Russia's actions reckless.

Moscow denied the accusation and said the helicopter was at fault. Russia's foreign ministry said it told the Danish ambassador that it viewed the helicopter's actions as a gross violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The ministry said similar actions could lead to escalation and create the risk of a serious incident. The helicopter was not damaged and its crew were unharmed.

There was no immediate response from Copenhagen to Russia's summoning.

The incident comes amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine's European allies, including Denmark. NATO has accused Russia of carrying out an escalating campaign of hybrid warfare against Kyiv's European backers, an accusation Moscow rejects.