Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s planned trip to Moscow for Russia’s Victory Day commemorations on May 9 has once again highlighted the sharp divisions within Europe, as several countries closed their airspace to his flight while others granted passage.
Fico, a vocal critic of Western sanctions on Russia and a proponent of dialogue with Moscow, is proceeding with the visit despite widespread EU criticism. Reports indicate he may skip the main military parade but will attend memorial events. The trip requires careful routing, as multiple nations have denied overflight rights.
The Baltic states—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—firmly closed their airspace, citing opposition to any actions that legitimize Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called the event, which celebrates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II , an effort “aimed at glorifying the aggressor.” The Baltic States took the same stance last year, when Fico and President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia were denied permission to cross their respective airspaces.
Poland, which last year—after some hesitation—allowed the Slovak PM overflight, this year also refused access, aligning with its strong pro-Ukraine stance.
In contrast, Czechia has approved Fico’s request for overflight, describing it as a standard procedural matter. This move has drawn attention, given Prague’s generally firm support for Ukraine. Slovakia is reportedly exploring alternative routes to reach Moscow.
The episode shows EU member states still cannot come to a joint approach toward Russia. Fico, as Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán, has maintained that keeping the channels of communication with Russia open is necessary both for peace efforts and energy security, while leaders of other EU countries claim visits like this one undermine the bloc’s unity and embolden Moscow.
