Ukraine’s FM praises Baltic airspace ban on Slovak PM’s Russia visit

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has welcomed the decision by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to deny Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico access to their airspace for a planned visit to Moscow to attend the 9 May military parade.

In a post on X, Sybiha thanked the three Baltic states for what he described as a firm stance against allowing their airspace to be used for engagements that strengthen ties with Russia.

"Thank you to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania for taking a strong stance against the use of their airspace to deepen ties with Russia. For those who have forgotten, Russia continues to wage an aggressive war against Ukraine, posing a direct threat to Europe’s security and international order."

Sybiha called for continued and sustained pressure on Moscow until it is fully held accountable, urging other countries to follow the Baltic example and restrict air transit permissions for similar visits.

"Firm and sustained pressure must continue until Russia is held fully accountable. We urge other countries to follow our Baltic friends’ lead and deny the use of their airspace as well. Let’s make up for the lack of consciousness with a lack of air routes."

Earlier, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Estonia would close its airspace to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s aircraft on its way to Moscow for VE Day commemorations.

Tsahkna said Estonia’s stance was “crystal clear”, stressing that no state would be permitted to use its airspace “to strengthen its relations with Russia”.

He noted that a similar restriction was imposed in 2025, adding that the same policy remains in force this year. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is expected to attend the events in Moscow marking Victory in Europe Day.

By Aghakazim Guliyev