Ukraine's Foreign Minister Thanks Baltic Allies
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has expressed gratitude to Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia for their decision to deny airspace access to an aircraft carrying Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who intended to travel to Moscow on May 9. This move extends a policy established by the Baltic nations in 2024, when they also refused Fico's plane passage through their airspace. The coordinated action highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In response, Prime Minister Fico voiced his displeasure with the refusals from Lithuania and Latvia. The event he planned to attend was a parade in Moscow on May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. Notably, the scale of the 2025 parade was significantly reduced compared to 2021, with the aerial display featuring only 15 aircraft.
Ukrainian and Baltic Stance on Russia
“For anyone who has forgotten, Russia continues to wage a war of aggression against Ukraine, posing direct threats to European security and the international order. Firm and consistent pressure must be maintained until Russia is held fully accountable. We call on other nations to follow the example of our Baltic friends and also deny the use of their airspace. Let us compensate for a lack of conscience with a lack of flight paths.” - Andrii Sybiha
These events underscore the Baltic states' regional security posture and their readiness to support Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. The airspace denial demonstrates a shared policy aimed at isolating Russia internationally and backing Ukrainian resistance. Such measures are likely to foster deeper security and defense cooperation between Ukraine and its European partners.
The ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe are further complicated by recent incidents involving Ukrainian drones, which have raised concerns among the Baltic nations. In light of these developments, Ukraine has issued an apology to its Baltic allies, attributing the drone incidents to Russian jamming efforts. This situation highlights the intricate security dynamics within the region and the importance of solidarity among nations. To understand more about Ukraine's diplomatic relations with the Baltic states, read our detailed coverage on Ukraine's recent apology to the Baltic states.