Estonia has joined Latvia and Lithuania in denying Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico permission to use its airspace for a flight to Moscow’s May 9 Victory Day parade.
The Estonian Foreign Ministry confirmed the ban, stating that no country can use Estonian airspace to strengthen ties with Russia while it continues its aggression against Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Fico will not receive clearance this year, echoing the same position taken in 2023 when Estonia first blocked his flight.
Estonia applies a uniform rule for EU and NATO officials’ flights but makes an exception for travel to Russia, which it views as incompatible with its stance on international law.
Fico confirmed the restrictions in a Facebook post, lamenting that Latvia and Lithuania had already denied him overflight rights for the same trip.
He said he remains confident he will uncover an alternative route, as he did last year when Estonia’s ban forced him to adjust his plans.
Fico has attended the Moscow parade before, including in 2023, despite appeals from EU officials such as Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas to boycott the event.
He reiterated his intention to visit wartime memorials in Slovakia, Germany, France, and Russia, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow.
Fico framed the flight restrictions as an affront to EU solidarity, claiming that EU member states should not bar fellow members’ leaders from flying over their territory.
His comments come amid broader tensions between Slovakia and EU institutions over energy policy, including threats to challenge EU sanctions on Russian gas and to block a new sanctions package unless the Druzhba pipeline resumes operations.
Slovakia has signaled it may sue the EU over its ban on Russian gas imports, which Fico argues undermines the bloc’s foundational principles.
Despite these confrontations, Fico has stated he will not block a proposed 90 billion euro credit line for Ukraine, separating his opposition to EU energy sanctions from support for Kyiv’s financial stability.
Why are Baltic states blocking Fico’s flight to Moscow?
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have denied overflight permissions given that they view travel to Russia’s Victory Day parade as legitimizing its aggression against Ukraine, which they consider a violation of international law.
Has Fico faced similar restrictions before?
Yes, in 2023 Estonia initially blocked his flight, followed by Poland and Lithuania, forcing him to alter his route; he has since vowed to find alternative paths again this year.