EU Nations Display Mixed Responses Towards Vucic's Journey to Moscow in Kremlin
Chit-Chat:
The old divides are rearing their heads again, it seems, as some EU countries have found themselves at odds with each other over their stance towards Russia. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the President of Russia, has commented on the situation, suggesting that these countries' anti-Russian policies may be causing friction within the union.
According to RBC's correspondent, certain EU members, such as Latvia and Lithuania, have denied airspace to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, as he was traveling to Moscow for events commemorating Victory Day. The reasons given by these countries varied; Latvian authorities cited the "political sensitivity of the purpose of the flight," while Lithuanian officials referred to "technical and diplomatic sensitivity."
This isn't an isolated incident, as Poland and Lithuania also reportedly denied airspace to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was planning to attend the same events. However, the Slovak newspaper Pravda reported that permission from Warsaw had been granted, further muddying the waters.
Despite these restrictions, Russia is pressing ahead with its plans. Peskov announced a ceremonial reception in the Kremlin to celebrate Victory Day, and the plans of various political leaders to attend include a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Vučić, as well as Fico. In total, 29 foreign leaders are expected to attend the Victory Parade in Moscow, according to the Kremlin.
All of this is happening against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Many Western countries are discouraging or restricting engagement with Russia, particularly around events commemorating its military achievements. It appears that these decisions are driven by broader EU concerns about supporting activities or appearances that might be seen as legitimizing Russian actions or leadership in the current context.
- In contrast to Slovakia, Latvia and Lithuania have denied airspace to certain political leaders traveling to Moscow, creating contradictions within the EU.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, have led to a heightened sense of political sensitivity, influencing EU countries' policies towards Russia.
- Slovakia, under Prime Minister Robert Fico, found itself in a unique situation when policy-and-legislation in Poland and Lithania, as well as general-news reporting, conflicted over permission for airspace.
- Amidst these tensions, Fico's plans to attend events commemorating Victory Day in Moscow are now subject to political negotiations, underscoring the complexities of EU politics.
- The Kremlin's renewed focus on Fico and the 29 other foreign leaders expected to attend the Victory Parade in Moscow is occurring against the backdrop of ongoing policy-and-legislation discussions within the EU and general-news reporting on war-and-conflicts.
