Slovakia Seeks Polish Airspace for Fico's Flight to Moscow Victory Day Event

SME reports on the diplomatic maneuvering surrounding Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's planned trip to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations. Slovakia has formally requested Poland to allow Fico's aircraft to transit its airspace, a crucial step after Lithuania and Latvia denied similar requests. Fico himself stated that the Baltic states would not permit his flight, and Estonia has also confirmed its refusal, with Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasizing that no one should use Estonian airspace to strengthen ties with Moscow while Russia wages its aggressive war in Ukraine. This situation highlights the complex geopolitical landscape Slovakia navigates, balancing its EU and NATO commitments with its historical ties and current government's approach to Russia. The article recalls that Fico took a longer, southern route last year due to similar airspace denials. The upcoming trip, if permitted, will see Fico attending the May 9th Victory Day commemorations, an event that has become increasingly sensitive internationally due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The refusal by Baltic states underscores a broader European stance against normalizing relations with Russia under current circumstances, a position that contrasts with some elements within Slovak politics.

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Slovakia has requested permission from Poland for Prime Minister Robert Fico's plane to fly through Polish airspace en route to Moscow.