Fico's Moscow Trip Hits a Roadblock: Baltic States Bar Slovakia's Airspace
Airspace of Baltic Nations Shuts Down for Flights Given Green Light by Fico in Moscow
Take a detour, Robert Fico! The Baltic states have blocked the airspace for the Slovakian Prime Minister's flight to Moscow for World War II commemorations.
This legislative twist threw a wrench into Fico's schedule. His government plane took off from the Bratislava airport in the afternoon, flying over Hungary, Romania, the Black Sea, Georgia, and then into Russia's Dagestan region. But, typical routes through Lithuanian airspace were off-limits.
Why the abrupt shutdown? In 2021, European airlines were advised to avoid the Belarus route due to sanctions against the Minsk government. Lithuania's President Gitanas Nausėda announced the snub, and Latvia followed suit. Estonia joined the chorus, adding that they would not grant permission to Fico's flight over their territory. Fico found himself in quite the predicament and took to Facebook to vent his frustration, stating, "This significantly complicates our schedule."
Despite EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas urging EU leaders not to participate in Russia's military celebrations, Fico continues to show his support. Over two dozen foreign dignitaries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, will join the parade on May 9. But Fico's long, scenic southern route via Hungary, Romania, the Black Sea, Georgia, and Russia, added a few hours to his travel time.
Is this political drama or a war of words? Tension swelled as the Baltic states and Slovakia butted heads over Fico's decision to attend the Moscow celebrations, defying the broader EU stance. The Baltic states, along with other EU members, made it clear they would not lend any support or facilitate the official Russian celebration in Moscow, which they deemed controversial in light of the war in Ukraine.
Fico reacted sharply, accusing the Baltic states of intentionally trying to thwart his visit. He pointed out that Slovakia held year-round permits to use Estonian airspace for official flights, making the sudden denial a calculated move.
The Baltic states' stance reflects their opposition to the controversial Russian event. It appears that Fico's attendance at the celebrations, despite the EU boycott, has escalated regional tensions.
Sources: ntv.de, mdi/rts
- Slovakia
- Baltics
- Moscow
- Russia
- World War II
- EU
- The Baltic states, following Lithuania's lead, blocked Slovakia's airspace for the Prime Minister's flight to Moscow, creating an unforeseen obstacle in Robert Fico's schedule.
- This diplomatic incident occurred due to Slovakia's decision to attend the controversial Russian military celebrations in Moscow, a choice that contrasted with the broader EU stance on World War II commemorations.
- In response, Fico claimed that the Baltic states' sudden denial of permission for his flight over their territory was a deliberate attempt to hinder his visit.
- The Baltic states, along with other EU members, have made it clear they would not facilitate the official Russian celebration in Moscow, citing the ongoing war in Ukraine as a reason for their opposition.
