Polish officials have indicated a resolution to the issue of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s potential flight to Moscow, while Baltic states maintain their airspace ban.
Slovakia’s Request and Poland’s Response
Poland was asked on Monday whether it had made a decision regarding allowing Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to fly through Polish airspace to Moscow. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that, to his current knowledge, the issue had been resolved.
This suggests that if Robert Fico decides to travel to Moscow, he may need to use a route that does not pass through Polish airspace. Poland had received a request from Slovakia for permission to allow the flight.
Baltic States Deny Airspace Access
The Baltic states have not granted permission for Fico’s flight. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that Fico would not be allowed to fly to Moscow for the May 9th parade, which he described as glorifying an aggressor. Lithuania and Latvia have taken a similar stance.
Tsahkna added that no country should allow its airspace to be used to strengthen ties with Russia while Moscow continues to violate international norms and engage in aggression against Ukraine, and acts against the security of Europe.
Previous Restrictions and Alternative Routes
The Baltic states also denied airspace access last year to foreign officials traveling to Moscow for the Victory Day celebrations. Fico was then forced to take a longer route, flying over Hungary, Romania, and the Black Sea. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also had to use an alternative route.
Fico’s European Engagement Continues
Despite the airspace restrictions, Fico is not entirely isolated from European leaders. He recently announced that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit Slovakia at the end of May.
Fico stated that he and Merz share similar views on several issues, including opposition to the European Union’s planned ban on the production of gasoline-powered cars from 2035.
Seeking a New Role in Europe
According to the Slovak portal “Dennik N”, Fico views Merz’s visit as evidence that he can function as a significant leader on the European stage even after the defeat of Viktor Orbán in the Hungarian parliamentary elections. Orbán had previously been Fico’s closest European ally.
“Dennik N” also suggests that Merz’s visit could signal a softening of Fico’s anti-EU rhetoric and an attempt to build new, neutral relationships with European leaders.
