Russian warships have repeatedly pointed guns at Danish vessels, disrupted navigation systems or undertaken maneuvers that could lead to a collision with Danish-flagged ships in the straits between the Baltic and North Seas, Danish intelligence services said today, quoted by Reuters, BTA reported.
"We have witnessed several incidents in the Danish straits where our air force helicopters and warships were tracked by radar and guns from Russian warships were pointed at them", said the head of Danish intelligence services, Thomas Arenkil, at a press conference. He also said a Russian ship had been anchored in Danish waters for a week, hinting at possible Russian intervention if Denmark took action against the "Russian shadow fleet" of tankers, which are believed to be used to circumvent Western sanctions on Russian oil imposed over the war in Ukraine.
Such incidents seek unprovoked escalation, Danish intelligence also said.
Russian warships, usually escorted by the Danish navy, often pass through the Danish Straits, a busy international shipping route. According to Arenkil, military intelligence has also recorded cases of ships passing through the straits with sonar and signal jamming equipment.
"It is very likely that Russian ships have, in at least one case, jammed signals and caused significant disruption to the GPS system in Denmark," the head of Danish intelligence said.
"Russia is using military means, including in an aggressive manner, to exert pressure on us without crossing the line into armed conflict in the traditional sense of the word," added Arenkil.
Despite the numerous incidents, Danish intelligence has indicated that there is no direct military threat to the country. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, however, described the incursion of drones over airports and military facilities as a "hybrid attack". Defense Minister Troels Lun Poulsen said the incidents were still under investigation and the perpetrator had not been identified.
For its part, NATO has stepped up operations in the Baltic region to respond to the drone incursion. Sweden has proposed a new bill to expand maritime surveillance by the Swedish Coast Guard.