Denmark Accelerates $276 Million Ukraine Air Defence Package After Russian Frigate Incident
COPENHAGEN, September 19, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Denmark is accelerating a planned military support package for Ukraine after a Russian frigate fired flares toward a Danish military helicopter, the government said.
The package is valued at an estimated 1.8 billion Danish crowns, equivalent to about $276 million, and will support Ukraine’s air defences.
Danish authorities said the helicopter was photographing the Russian vessel in international waters when the frigate fired two flares without warning. One passed within metres of the aircraft, according to Denmark’s account of the incident.
Moscow responded by accusing the Danish helicopter of carrying out dangerous maneuvers near the Russian warship.
“If the Russians think they can rattle us … then our response is to ramp up our support for Ukraine faster than we had intended,” Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus told reporters after meeting members of parliament.
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said attempts to pressure Denmark would not cause the country to reduce its support for Ukraine.
Denmark has been a vocal supporter of Kyiv since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. It is also among the leading providers of financial assistance to Ukraine when measured on a per-capita basis.
The government presented the decision to accelerate the package as a direct response to the encounter involving the Russian frigate and the Danish helicopter.
Source: Reuters
