Robert Fico has again announced a trip to Moscow for 9 May. Lithuania and Latvia have already announced that they will not allow his plane to pass through their airspace. Slovakia's prime minister said he would find another route.
Fico's statement on his trip to Moscow
Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico officially announced his intention to visit Moscow on 9 May. This is not the first attempt by a Slovak official to visit the Russian capital on the symbolic date celebrated in Russia as Victory Day.
Fico stressed that his decision remains final, despite resistance from some EU countries. He did not specify the details of the upcoming trip, but stressed the importance of this visit for his political position.
Reaction of Lithuania and Latvia
The Lithuanian and Latvian authorities said they would not allow Fico's plane to fly through their airspace. This is not the first time the Baltic states have restricted the movement of politicians planning to visit Russia.
The decision was made against the backdrop of tense relations between the EU and Russia. Representatives of Lithuania and Latvia did not comment on Fico's possible next steps, but stressed that they would adhere to their own security policies.
Finding an alternative route
Fico said he would definitely find another route to Moscow. He did not specify how he planned to get to the Russian capital. The Slovakian prime minister stressed that he sees no obstacles to the implementation of his plans. However, details about alternative routes have not yet been disclosed.
Context of the event
Fico's trip to Moscow provokes a strong reaction among European politicians. EU countries continue to maintain a tough stance on contacts with Russia amid the war in Ukraine.
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