Baltic States Deny Airspace to Slovak PM Fico for Moscow Trip

• •Baltic states block Slovak PM Fico from using their airspace to reach Moscow.
• •Fico plans to find an alternative route for his flight to Russia's Victory Day celebrations.
• •The decision reflects the EU's unified stance against Russia amid its aggression in Ukraine.

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have denied Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico access to their airspace for a flight to Moscow to attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations on May 9, 2026. Fico announced on April 18 that both Lithuania and Latvia had refused his request, and Estonia confirmed on April 19 that it would also block the flight. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that allowing such flights would strengthen ties with Russia amid its ongoing aggression against Ukraine. This decision follows a similar action taken last year when Fico attempted to attend the same event. Fico expressed his intent to find an alternative route, as he did in 2025. The refusal is part of a broader EU stance against Russia, especially following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Fico and Hungary's outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban are seen as Russia's closest allies within the EU, opposing EU support for Ukraine. The situation highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Europe related to Russia's actions.