Belousov Awards Warship Captain for ‘Skillfully and Decisively’ Firing Flares at Danish Helicopter
The captain received Russia’s medal “For Courage” after he “prevented a provocation by a Danish helicopter,” the Defense Ministry said.
Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Belousov honored a ship captain for his "skillful and decisive actions" after firing signal flares at a Danish military helicopter in the Baltic Sea. This occurred during an incident on Monday in which the captain's ship, the Baltic Fleet corvette Soobrazitelny, attempted to prevent a potential provocation by the Danish helicopter.
The Soobrazitelny launched two signal flares at the aircraft when it failed to respond to the ship's radio calls. The Danish helicopter subsequently left the area. Danish Defense Minister Jeppe Bruus criticized the Soobrazitelny crew for not attempting to contact the helicopter, stating that it narrowly avoided the flare signals.
Russia's Ambassador to Copenhagen, Vladimir Barbin, accused Danish military aircraft of "dangerous maneuvers near Russian warships," citing the risk of collision. He also noted that Denmark has rejected Moscow's proposals to sign a maritime and airspace agreement. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen blamed Russia for attempting to "sow fear and discord," while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the incident as part of "a broader pattern of Russian aggression and provocation against Europe."
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