Airspace Denials for Serbian President’s Flight to Moscow Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Amid significant historical commemorations, Lithuania and Latvia restrict Aleksandar Vucic's flight due to diplomatic sensitivities.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is scheduled to travel to Moscow on May 9 for bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, Vucic's flight has faced challenges as both Lithuania and Latvia have denied permission for the aircraft to cross their airspace.
The Lithuanian authorities cited 'technical and diplomatic sensitivities' as the reason for this decision.
May 9 marks Victory Day in Russia, commemorating the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, a significant event being observed for the 80th time this year.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, had previously urged member states to avoid participation in the commemorative events, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions.
In parallel to Vucic's plans, Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, is also attempting to navigate a path to Moscow but has encountered similar airspace restrictions.
Initially denied passage by both Poland and Lithuania, Polish authorities later reversed their decision, granting clearance for Fico's flight after Slovakia fulfilled the necessary formalities for the transit.
Additionally, Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia from May 7 to 10, coinciding with Vucic's planned arrival.
On the same day as Vucic's talks with Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has organized meetings in Kyiv with EU leaders to establish security guarantees that he argues are necessary for potential ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia.
In contrast, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will not attend either the Moscow or Kyiv events, as confirmed by Hungary's Deputy Foreign Minister, who addressed inquiries regarding the Hungarian government's participation.
However, Vucic's flight has faced challenges as both Lithuania and Latvia have denied permission for the aircraft to cross their airspace.
The Lithuanian authorities cited 'technical and diplomatic sensitivities' as the reason for this decision.
May 9 marks Victory Day in Russia, commemorating the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, a significant event being observed for the 80th time this year.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, had previously urged member states to avoid participation in the commemorative events, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions.
In parallel to Vucic's plans, Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, is also attempting to navigate a path to Moscow but has encountered similar airspace restrictions.
Initially denied passage by both Poland and Lithuania, Polish authorities later reversed their decision, granting clearance for Fico's flight after Slovakia fulfilled the necessary formalities for the transit.
Additionally, Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia from May 7 to 10, coinciding with Vucic's planned arrival.
On the same day as Vucic's talks with Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has organized meetings in Kyiv with EU leaders to establish security guarantees that he argues are necessary for potential ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia.
In contrast, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will not attend either the Moscow or Kyiv events, as confirmed by Hungary's Deputy Foreign Minister, who addressed inquiries regarding the Hungarian government's participation.
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