Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico intends to travel to Moscow, but Lithuania and Latvia have denied him airspace access, prompting him to seek alternative routes.
Fico Announces Travel Plans, Airspace Denial
Robert Fico stated on Friday, April 17th, that Lithuania and Latvia have informed him they will not allow his flight through their territory en route to Moscow.
Fico questioned why EU member states would prevent the prime minister of another EU country from using their airspace.
Alternative Route Confirmed
The Slovak Prime Minister affirmed he would find another route, as he did last year when traveling to Russia for Victory Day celebrations.
Last year, Fico flew over Hungary, Romania, and the Black Sea after Baltic states also denied overflight permission.
Estonian Foreign Minister’s Stance
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated Estonia will not allow any country seeking closer ties with Russia to use its airspace.
Tsahkna criticized Russia for continuing its aggression in Ukraine and threatening European security, framing its actions as a violation of international norms.
Latvian Response and Policy
Latvian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Diana Eglite confirmed that neither Slovakia nor any other country requested permission for overflight to a Russian event on May 9th.
Latvia will not permit the use of its airspace for travel to Russia while the Kremlin continues its aggression against Ukraine, viewing Russia’s Victory Day celebrations as war propaganda.
Sanctions and Rail Traffic
Despite sanctions, railcars marked with Cyrillic script are continuing to travel through Poland, reportedly as part of a deal between Trump and Lukashenko.