Russian TV claims footage shows Danish helicopter near warship

Russian state television has aired footage it says shows how close a Danish military helicopter came to a Russian warship in September, DR reports. The incident involved a Russian frigate and a Danish Fennec helicopter in international waters off Gedser.

The frigate fired two signal flares at the helicopter on September 14. According to the Danish Defence Command, one flare passed 10 to 15 metres from the aircraft.

Russia says the footage shown by the Rossiya 1 channel is from that incident. The segment was dated October 8, a commemorative day for Russian personnel serving on submarines and warships. It does not show the flares being fired.

The two countries’ ambassadors have each been called in by their respective foreign ministries following the incident. Denmark’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on September 30 that its ambassador had attended a meeting.

Denmark has said it is standard procedure to take photographs when warships pass near Danish waters, and that the helicopter was never closer than about 150 metres to the ship. Russia’s Foreign Ministry has said the helicopter flew less than 50 metres above the frigate. Russia’s ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, described the helicopter’s conduct as provocative.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen rejected Russia’s account in comments to TV 2, saying Russia would not be able to provide evidence to support its version. DR Verificerer is examining the television footage to establish whether it is authentic. DR News has also asked the Danish Defence Command for comment but has not yet received a response.