Latvia and Lithuania block Serbian President's plane from entering Russia for May 9 parade
Photo: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić (Getty Images)
Latvia and Lithuania have banned Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's plane from crossing their airspace on its way to Russia. He is going to attend a parade in Moscow on May 9, according to the Serbian Novosti and Kurir news agencies.
Lithuania was the first to ban Vučić's flight, and later, Latvia closed its airspace to the Serbian president's plane.
According to the media, the Latvian authorities banned the flight because its purpose is politically sensitive, while Lithuania refused due to technical and diplomatic sensitivities.
Lithuania and Poland did not allow the plane of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to cross their airspace to participate in the May 9 events in Moscow.
May 9 parade in Moscow
A large parade will be held in Moscow on May 9 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Vladimir Putin invited many foreign leaders.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic were going to Moscow. In addition, the Serbian military was to take part in the parade along with the Russian army.
However, the other day, Aleksandar Vučić suddenly fell ill and even interrupted his visit to the United States, where he was supposed to meet with Donald Trump. It is not yet known how this will affect his plans to travel to Russia.
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will not attend the parade in Moscow. But Chinese President Xi Jinping confirmed his visit to Putin.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine is not responsible for the events that may occur in Moscow on May 9.
