Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia Impose Airspace Ban for Leaders Traveling to Moscow
Lithuania and Estonia join Latvia in restricting overflights for Robert Fico and Aleksandar Vučić as they head to Russia's Victory Day celebrations.
Lithuania, alongside Estonia and Latvia, has imposed bans on flights carrying Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić as they travel to Moscow to attend Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9. The decision underscores concerns regarding the security implications of allowing these leaders to traverse their airspace en route to the military parade, which commemorates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated that the security of all individuals traveling through the country, including visiting leaders, remains a top priority.
This assertion was made in connection with the recent decision to restrict air travel, which was characterized as a precautionary measure.
Estonia's foreign ministry echoed similar sentiments, announcing that airspace would not be available for travel between Estonia and Moscow for the upcoming parade.
The Estonian Foreign Minister, Hanno Pevkur, remarked that Estonia does not endorse participation in what he termed a propaganda event organized by Russia, which is currently engaged in military conflict in Europe.
The Estonian government has already denied overflight requests from various nations, including Cuba and Brazil, aimed at attending the Moscow event.
Latvia's foreign ministry articulated its stance, highlighting that engagement in the event is inconsistent with the European Union's core values.
The ministry emphasized that the glorification of war crimes contradicts the positions held by Latvian society and the EU.
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, Europe has implemented restrictions on travel to Russia, resulting in altered flight paths that bypass Ukraine.
Reports indicate that President Vučić's flight may already be en route to Azerbaijan, further complicating the logistical aspects of their travels to the event in Moscow.
These decisions reflect broader geopolitical tensions in Europe, particularly in relation to Russian actions in Ukraine and the military parade's implications on international relations.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated that the security of all individuals traveling through the country, including visiting leaders, remains a top priority.
This assertion was made in connection with the recent decision to restrict air travel, which was characterized as a precautionary measure.
Estonia's foreign ministry echoed similar sentiments, announcing that airspace would not be available for travel between Estonia and Moscow for the upcoming parade.
The Estonian Foreign Minister, Hanno Pevkur, remarked that Estonia does not endorse participation in what he termed a propaganda event organized by Russia, which is currently engaged in military conflict in Europe.
The Estonian government has already denied overflight requests from various nations, including Cuba and Brazil, aimed at attending the Moscow event.
Latvia's foreign ministry articulated its stance, highlighting that engagement in the event is inconsistent with the European Union's core values.
The ministry emphasized that the glorification of war crimes contradicts the positions held by Latvian society and the EU.
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, Europe has implemented restrictions on travel to Russia, resulting in altered flight paths that bypass Ukraine.
Reports indicate that President Vučić's flight may already be en route to Azerbaijan, further complicating the logistical aspects of their travels to the event in Moscow.
These decisions reflect broader geopolitical tensions in Europe, particularly in relation to Russian actions in Ukraine and the military parade's implications on international relations.
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