Denmark says a signal flare from a Russian warship passed close to one of its military helicopters over the Baltic Sea. Russia decorated the ship’s commander.

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov honored the commander of the corvette Soobrazitelny with the Medal for Distinction in Combat after his crew fired signal flares toward a Danish military helicopter over the Baltic Sea, according to Russia's Defense Ministry. The Danish Air Force helicopter was reportedly heading towards the Russian warship and failed to respond to calls on an international communications channel.

After the two signal flares were fired, the helicopter departed from the vicinity of the Russian warship, the Defense Ministry stated, crediting the commander's actions as "skillful and decisive."

On September 15, Denmark alleged that a Russian warship had previously fired two signal flares at a Danish helicopter during a "routine" operation to monitor the vessel in the Baltic Sea. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen characterized Russia's actions as "reckless" and intended to "intimidate and sow division." Danish officials informed the Russian ambassador about the incident, which occurred on September 14.

The Danish Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador, while the Russian Embassy in Denmark deemed the Danish helicopter's actions "provocative."

The Russian Embassy in Denmark responded, criticizing Denmark's claims that the helicopter's actions were part of a "routine practice" and warning of potential consequences due to the recklessness of such behavior. Meduza, the source of this report, maintains transparency regarding its use of artificial intelligence in the newsroom.