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Cypriot MEP Faces Backlash for Moscow Visit Amid Ukraine War

5/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou sparked outrage by visiting Moscow with German and Slovak lawmakers during the Ukraine war, coinciding with Russia's Victory Day. Critics slammed the trip as a misguided attempt at dialogue, especially after Panayiotou's previous remarks calling European support for Ukraine "insane." European Parliament President Metsola cautioned lawmakers to reflect on their choices.

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Story summary

Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou sparked outrage by visiting Moscow with German and Slovak lawmakers during the Ukraine war, coinciding with Russia's Victory Day. Critics slammed the trip as a misguided attempt at dialogue, especially after Panayiotou's previous remarks calling European support for Ukraine "insane." European Parliament President Metsola cautioned lawmakers to reflect on their choices.