The Baltic states have once again refused to grant overflight permission to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for a planned trip to Moscow on May 9, highlighting ongoing political divisions within Europe over relations with Russia.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have all declined to allow Fico’s aircraft to cross their airspace en route to the Russian capital, where commemorations marking the anniversary of victory in World War II are scheduled.
Fico airspace ban confirmed by Baltic officials
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna confirmed the decision, stating that Tallinn would not permit the flight under current circumstances.
“Fico will not receive permission to use Estonian airspace for a flight to Moscow for the May 9 parade, which aims to glorify the aggressor. We imposed this restriction last year, and the same principle applies now,” Tsahkna said.
He added that while Estonia has a standard procedure for granting overflight and landing permits to EU and NATO partners, this does not apply to travel linked to Russia while the conflict in Ukraine continues.
Similar stance across the Baltics
Fico has confirmed that Latvia and Lithuania have taken the same position, although official statements from Riga and Vilnius had not been issued at the time of publication.
A similar refusal was issued in 2025, when the Slovak leader was among a small number of European politicians who attended events in Moscow, alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
Fico defends visit to Moscow
The Slovak prime minister, who has repeatedly criticised Western countries for avoiding commemorative events in Moscow, said his intention is to honour the memory of those who fought against fascism.
“I want to pay tribute to all those who fought against fascism and those who became its victims and endured immense suffering,” Fico said.
He has also indicated plans to attend other memorial events, including ceremonies at Dachau in Germany and commemorations in Normandy later this year.
Broader European tensions
The dispute reflects wider disagreements within Europe over how historical memory and current geopolitical tensions should be balanced.
Baltic officials argue that participation in events in Moscow risks signalling political support for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Critics, however, increasingly point to inconsistencies in how historical commemorations and political positions are interpreted across the region.
The repeated denial of overflight rights underscores the growing fragmentation within Europe on issues of diplomacy, historical narrative and relations with Moscow.
