Baltic States block airspace for May 9 trips to Russia by foreign leaders

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have denied airspace access to foreign dignitaries travelling to Moscow for Russia’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations, citing strong opposition to supporting what they call Kremlin propaganda amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna declared the use of Estonian airspace for travel to Moscow “out of the question,” reaffirming that Estonia will not support the event or allow participation by aiding transit. Estonia has already blocked Cuban and Brazilian VIP flights, and no overflight permission will be granted for other May 9-related travel.

Latvia and Lithuania also refused access to Serbian President Aleksandar Vu?i?’s flight, citing “political” and “diplomatic sensitivity.” Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico will likewise be denied Baltic overflight access. Estonia confirmed it had not received overflight requests from Serbia but supports the coordinated stance taken by its Baltic neighbours.

The move reflects a broader European and NATO boycott of the Moscow ceremony marking the end of World War II, with the Baltic states emphasising that attending such events legitimises Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.