Slovak PM’s flight to Moscow gets green light from Poland

Poland has authorized the flight of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s special government aircraft through its airspace, allowing him to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory Day in Moscow on May 9.

The clearance was confirmed by the Polish embassy in Bratislava, Caliber.Az reports via Slovak media.

The decision comes after initial uncertainty over whether EU member states would permit the Slovak premier’s aircraft to transit their territories. At a press conference on May 4, Fico voiced his frustration, stating that “a government aircraft is not willing to be allowed to fly by some EU member states,” without naming specific countries.

The Polish government granted overflight permission after Slovakia provided additional documentation and fulfilled required formalities in its application.

Fico’s planned visit to Moscow has drawn criticism and heightened diplomatic tension, particularly in light of comments made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy warned foreign leaders that he could not guarantee their safety should they choose to travel to Russia for the Victory Day parade. In response, Fico denounced the Ukrainian president's statements as “unacceptable and disrespectful,” reaffirming his intention to participate in the Moscow ceremony.

The Slovak prime minister’s planned appearance in Russia underscores his political positioning and has prompted controversy within the EU, where most leaders have distanced themselves from Moscow amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine.

Fico’s health has also been a matter of speculation. In recent weeks, he cancelled several public engagements, including the May 1 labor festivities and a symbolic work shift at a bakery in Nitra. Additionally, a scheduled lecture at Oxford University was postponed. Political analysts attribute these changes to the prime minister’s recovery following an assassination attempt, which he has referenced publicly on multiple occasions.

By Vafa Guliyeva