Fico says Latvia and Lithuania refused overflight permission for Moscow visit

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said Latvia and Lithuania have refused to allow his aircraft to pass through their airspace as he prepares to travel to Moscow for the May 9 military parade.

“Lithuania and Latvia have already announced that they will not allow us to fly over their territories on our way to Moscow. EU member states are refusing overflight permission to the prime minister of another EU member state,” Fico said.

Despite the restrictions, Fico said he was confident an alternative route would be found.

“I am sure we will find another route, just as we did last year when Estonia disrupted our plans,” he said.

Last year, despite objections from European counterparts, Fico attended the May 9 parade, alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, as the only European leaders present.