Russian Warships Escalate Tensions in Danish Waters, Intelligence Warns

Denmark’s defence intelligence service has reported a series of aggressive maneuvers by Russian warships in the Danish straits, a critical passage connecting the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. According to Defence Intelligence Director Thomas Ahrenkiel, Russian vessels have sailed on collision courses, aimed weapons at Danish naval ships and helicopters, and used tracking radars in ways that risk unintended escalation. He also noted that Russian warships have been observed carrying sonar and jamming equipment, with at least one incident causing significant GPS interference in Denmark.

The activity, which Denmark views as part of Moscow’s broader hybrid warfare strategy, comes amid heightened tensions in the Baltic region following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Denmark, a strong supporter of Kyiv, has expanded its defence budget and committed to acquiring long-range precision weapons capable of reaching targets inside Russia. Ahrenkiel further warned that a Russian warship anchored in Danish waters for over a week could be linked to Moscow’s efforts to protect its so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers used to evade Western sanctions.

Despite these provocations, Danish defence intelligence stressed that there is no direct military threat to Denmark. However, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recently described drone incursions over Danish airports and military sites as a “hybrid attack,” while Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed ongoing investigations. NATO has since bolstered its operations in the Baltic, and Sweden has moved to tighten maritime surveillance laws. The White House also described Russia’s actions as a serious matter, reaffirming close coordination with NATO allies.

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