Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is the only EU leader attending Russia’s May 9 military parade, defying airspace bans and EU pressure to stay away.
Robert Fico has charted an unusual flight path to Moscow. After Baltic states shut their airspace to block his trip, the Slovak prime minister rerouted through Hungary, Romania, the Black Sea and Georgia to reach Russia on Thursday evening.
Fico will attend Friday’s Victory Day parade on Red Square—making him the only EU leader standing alongside foreign dignitaries such as China’s Xi Jinping.
The move comes despite vocal calls from EU officials to avoid legitimising Russia’s military celebrations. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania all denied airspace use for the trip, forcing Slovakia’s government plane into a complex detour.
“This is exceptionally complicating our schedule,” Fico said on Facebook, adding that Estonia blocked flyover rights despite Slovakia holding year-round clearance.
The prime minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings and attend a wreath-laying ceremony in Moscow. His participation underscores a widening rift between Bratislava and Brussels.
Fico, who returned to power in 2023, has drawn criticism for shifting Slovakia’s foreign policy closer to Moscow. The country remains reliant on Russian gas, and Fico has resisted some EU positions on the war and sanctions.
Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić was also reportedly blocked from flying through Lithuanian airspace to attend the parade. Other EU nations, including France and Germany, are abstaining from the event altogether.
Fico’s attendance sends a message—one that runs against the tide of European diplomacy.
Spain has refused to endorse a proposed NATO target requiring member states to spend 5% of their GDP on defense, risking friction ahead of next week’s alliance summit in The Hague.
President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree approving the 'Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on International Multimodal Transportation.'
Diplomatic representatives accredited in Azerbaijan have arrived in the East Zangezur and Karabakh regions for a multiday visit showcasing post-conflict reconstruction and cultural development.
Russia and Kazakhstan have signed a formal agreement to move forward with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, marking a key step in their energy cooperation.
A nationwide transport strike on Friday disrupted travel across Italy, with major delays and cancellations reported in rail, air, and public transit services.
Spain has refused to endorse a proposed NATO target requiring member states to spend 5% of their GDP on defense, risking friction ahead of next week’s alliance summit in The Hague.
President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree approving the 'Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on International Multimodal Transportation.'
Diplomatic representatives accredited in Azerbaijan have arrived in the East Zangezur and Karabakh regions for a multiday visit showcasing post-conflict reconstruction and cultural development.
Russia and Kazakhstan have signed a formal agreement to move forward with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, marking a key step in their energy cooperation.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
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Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
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Tajikistan and China have agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Artificial Intelligence, following high-level talks between President Emomali Rahmon and President Xi Jinping in Astana earlier this week.
Tesla has secured a major agreement to build its first grid-scale battery storage station in China, local media outlet Yicai reported Friday.
A mine collapse in rebel-held eastern DR Congo has left at least 12 people dead, with others managing to escape. The cause of the disaster remains unknown.
Spain has refused to endorse a proposed NATO target requiring member states to spend 5% of their GDP on defense, risking friction ahead of next week’s alliance summit in The Hague.
Russia and Kazakhstan have signed a formal agreement to move forward with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, marking a key step in their energy cooperation.
Spain has refused to endorse a proposed NATO target requiring member states to spend 5% of their GDP on defense, risking friction ahead of next week’s alliance summit in The Hague.
President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree approving the 'Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on International Multimodal Transportation.'
Diplomatic representatives accredited in Azerbaijan have arrived in the East Zangezur and Karabakh regions for a multiday visit showcasing post-conflict reconstruction and cultural development.
Russia and Kazakhstan have signed a formal agreement to move forward with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, marking a key step in their energy cooperation.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
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