Serbian president’s plane reportedly denied Latvian and Lithuanian airspace for planned flight to Russia’s Victory Day celebrations

Authorities in Latvia and Lithuania have reportedly barred Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s plane from flying through their airspace as he travels to Russia to attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II.

Serbian news outlets Večernje novosti and Kurir reported on May 6 that Latvian authorities denied the overflight, citing “the political sensitivity of the flight’s purpose.” Lithuanian officials reportedly cited “technical and diplomatic sensitivity” in their refusal.

Officials in both countries have not yet publicly commented.

Serbian media also reported that Poland and Lithuania had previously refused airspace access to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who likewise plans to attend the May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Russia.

Vučić and Fico are among nearly 30 foreign leaders the Kremlin says are expected to attend the military parade in Moscow.