07.05.2026 21:11
The Moscow visit of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the only European leader invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the May 9 Victory Day celebrations, encountered diplomatic and airspace obstacles in Europe. After Poland and the Baltic states closed their airspace, Fico had to use an alternative route that traced a wide arc over Europe to reach the Russian capital.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the only European leader invited to Moscow by Russian President Vladimir Putin for the May 9 Victory Day celebrations, had to prepare an alternative route for his trip.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
It was reported that Fico will take a long detour to reach Moscow after the Baltic countries and Poland refused to allow him to use their airspace.
WILL PASS THROUGH FOUR COUNTRIES' AIRSPACE
According to information in the Slovak press, Fico's plane is planned to reach Russia by passing through the airspace of the Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, and Finland. The new route, expected to take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, has brought diplomatic tension in Europe back to the agenda.
BALTIC COUNTRIES AND POLAND DID NOT ALLOW
Earlier, it was claimed that Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland did not approve the Slovak Prime Minister's passage to Russia. It was stated that Fico, who is criticized within the European Union for his close ties with Moscow, nevertheless maintained his decision to attend Putin's invitation.
WILL NOT ATTEND THE MILITARY PARADE
It was reported that Robert Fico, who will carry out his Moscow visit, will hold official talks but has decided not to attend the military parade organized as part of May 9. It was commented that this decision was made due to political pressures in Europe.