Baltic States Deny Fico Airspace for Moscow Victory Day Trip

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that Lithuania and Latvia have denied permission for his aircraft to use their airspace en route to Moscow for Russia's Victory Day celebrations on May 9, with Estonia following suit shortly after, highlighting ongoing tensions within the European Union over relations with Russia.

Fico disclosed the refusals during an address on April 18, describing the decisions as unusual for EU member states. "Lithuania and Latvia have already announced that they will not allow us to fly through their territories during the flight to Moscow," he said. "Why? Member states of the European Union do not allow the Prime Minister of another member state of the European Union to fly to these territories." Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna confirmed the refusal on April 19, stating that Tallinn would not permit its airspace to be used for flights to the event, which he characterized as an occasion to glorify Russia.

Fico, who has adopted a more conciliatory approach toward Moscow compared to many EU counterparts, vowed to proceed with the trip by finding an alternative route, as he did in 2024. Last year, Estonia similarly blocked his overflight,...