A Russian warship reportedly fired warning shots at a German helicopter conducting patrols over the Baltic Sea, escalating tensions between NATO and Russia.
The German Press Agency confirmed the use of signal ammunition, typically employed for warnings rather than direct attacks. However, reports that the helicopter was a NATO reconnaissance aircraft remain unverified.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock mentioned the incident during a NATO meeting but provided limited details. Meanwhile, a German Ministry of Defence spokesperson has not confirmed the use of warning shots.
The incident coincides with heightened tensions following increased NATO surveillance in the Baltic Sea to deter potential sabotage of undersea pipelines and cables by Russia, which has been accused of prior incidents of hybrid attacks in the region.
This development comes amid worsening Russia-Ukraine hostilities, with Western nations permitting Kyiv to use advanced missiles against Russian targets.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recently claimed that NATO and the U.S. have crossed “all red lines” and are now “at war with Russia.” He warned that Western involvement in Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory could lead to escalated Russian responses, further delaying prospects for negotiations.
