Lithuania and Latvia Block Slovak Prime Minister’s Flight to Moscow Over Ukraine War

Lithuania and Latvia have denied Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico permission to use their airspace for a planned trip to Moscow, citing his public support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and repeated criticism of Western military aid to Kyiv. The decision, confirmed by both Baltic nations’ foreign ministries on May 22, 2024, underscores growing regional tensions over how European leaders engage with Moscow amid the ongoing war.

The move comes as Fico, who returned to power in October 2023, has positioned himself as one of the most pro-Russian leaders in the European Union. His government has halted military aid to Ukraine, called for immediate peace talks without preconditions, and echoed Kremlin narratives blaming NATO for provoking the conflict. These stances have sharply contrasted with the firm support for Ukraine shown by Lithuania, Latvia, and other NATO allies on NATO’s eastern flank.

Why Lithuania and Latvia Blocked the Flight

Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry stated that Fico’s visit to Moscow would “undermine the unity of the EU and NATO in responding to Russia’s aggression” and that allowing his transit through Lithuanian airspace would be “incompatible with our national security interests and international obligations.” Latvia’s Foreign Ministry issued a similar statement, emphasizing that “providing airspace access to officials who actively legitimize Russia’s war effort contradicts our commitment to upholding international law and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.”

Both countries are members of NATO and the EU, and share a border with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave. They have consistently advocated for stronger sanctions against Moscow and increased military support for Ukraine. In recent months, Lithuania and Latvia have also accelerated defense spending and hosted NATO enhanced forward presence troops as part of the alliance’s deterrence posture in the Baltic region.

Fico’s Pro-Moscow Stance Draws Criticism Across Europe

Since returning as prime minister, Fico has repeatedly questioned the effectiveness of sanctions on Russia, claimed that Ukraine bears responsibility for the war, and suggested that Western arms deliveries only prolong the conflict. In April 2024, he visited Moscow and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin — a trip that drew sharp rebukes from EU officials and fellow member states.

The Slovak leader’s actions have isolated him within the EU. While Hungary’s Viktor Orbán has also criticized Western policy toward Russia, Fico’s overt engagement with Moscow — including his April visit and public praise for Putin’s leadership — has been viewed as particularly provocative by Baltic and Nordic states.

In response to the flight denial, Fico accused Lithuania and Latvia of “acting like vassals of the United States” and claimed the decision was “politically motivated and undemocratic.” His office did not confirm whether an alternative route was sought for the Moscow trip.

Broader Implications for EU Unity and NATO Security

The incident highlights a growing split within the EU over how to manage relations with Russia. While most member states maintain a unified front in supporting Ukraine and imposing sanctions, a minority — including Slovakia and Hungary — advocate for closer ties with Moscow or neutrality in the conflict.

NATO officials have warned that such divisions could weaken the alliance’s ability to respond cohesively to security threats. The Baltic states, in particular, view any perceived leniency toward Moscow as a direct risk to their national security, given their historical experience under Soviet occupation and proximity to Russian military forces.

Analysts note that airspace denials, while rare between EU members, are legally permissible under international aviation treaties when national security or public order is at stake. Both Lithuania and Latvia cited these grounds in their decisions, framing the move as a sovereign right to protect their strategic interests.

What This Means for Slovakia’s Foreign Policy

Fico’s government has faced increasing domestic and international pressure over its foreign policy direction. Protests have erupted in Bratislava over his Russia-friendly stance, and opposition parties accuse him of jeopardizing Slovakia’s EU and NATO commitments.

Despite the backlash, Fico maintains strong support among his base, particularly among voters disillusioned with Western liberalism and concerned about migration and cultural identity. His Smer-SSD party frames its Russia policy as a defense of national sovereignty and opposition to what it calls “Western hegemony.”

Still, continued isolation within the EU could complicate Slovakia’s access to EU funding, joint defense initiatives, and diplomatic influence. Lithuania and Latvia’s airspace denial may signal to other member states that pro-Russian actions carry tangible diplomatic costs — even among allies.

Key Takeaways

• Lithuania and Latvia denied Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico permission to use their airspace for travel to Moscow on May 22, 2024.
• The decision was based on Fico’s public support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and his criticism of Western aid to Kyiv.
• Both Baltic nations cited national security and their commitments to EU and NATO unity as justification.
• Fico has positioned himself as one of the most pro-Russian leaders in the EU since returning to power in October 2023.
• The incident reflects deeper divisions within the EU over how to respond to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• Airspace denials between EU members are rare but legally permissible under international aviation law when security concerns are cited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Lithuania and Latvia block Fico’s flight?

Lithuania and Latvia stated that allowing Fico to transit their airspace would contradict their national security interests and undermine EU and NATO unity in responding to Russia’s aggression. They emphasized that his public support for Russia’s war effort made the visit incompatible with their foreign policy stance.

Has Robert Fico visited Moscow recently?

Yes. Fico traveled to Moscow in April 2024 and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The trip was widely criticized by EU officials and fellow member states, who viewed it as legitimizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Is it legal for one EU country to deny another’s leader airspace access?

Yes. Under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and related EU regulations, states may deny overflight permissions for reasons of national security, public order, or international obligations. Lithuania and Latvia invoked these grounds in their decisions.

How has Fico’s foreign policy differed from Slovakia’s traditional stance?

Historically, Slovakia has supported strong EU and NATO unity, including backing sanctions on Russia after its 2014 annexation of Crimea. Fico’s government has reversed course, ending military aid to Ukraine, advocating for immediate peace talks, and engaging directly with Moscow — marking a significant departure from prior bipartisan consensus.

Could this affect Slovakia’s relations with NATO or the EU?

While Slovakia remains a member of both NATO and the EU, its current foreign policy has created friction with allies. Continued alignment with Moscow could affect access to certain EU funds, joint defense projects, and political influence within the bloc, particularly if perceived as undermining collective security.