A tense exchange unfolded in Brussels between Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou and British journalist Caolan Robertson, following allegations that the MEP is promoting pro-Russian propaganda and downplaying the abductions of Ukrainian children by Russian forces.
Robertson accused Panayiotou of acting as “a propaganda tool for Moscow”, pointing to his public social media posts and a recent trip to Russia, which coincided with Victory Day celebrations. Panayiotou claimed the trip was self-funded and denied attending any military parades or promoting Russian narratives.
However, he repeatedly avoided directly condemning Russia for its actions, instead insisting that “diplomacy must begin”.
Fidias has been amplifying insane Kremlin propaganda for months, so I confronted him.
— Caolan (@CaolanRob) May 21, 2025
🚨 He said abducted Ukranian children are happy in russia
🚨 He refused to answer why he is putting out lies
He got angry
This is a mask off moment pic.twitter.com/3QjERhq3Aq
The discussion became especially heated when the topic turned to the abduction of Ukrainian children. Panayiotou initially implied that “some children may want to stay”, prompting a strong response from the journalist, who called the remarks “immoral” and “dangerous”.
Panayiotou also revealed that he had changed his vote in the European Parliament — from “no” to “abstain” — on a resolution calling for the return of abducted children, arguing that the sources cited were “partially credible” and “exaggerated”.
Throughout the interview, Panayiotou repeatedly compared Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to Turkey’s 1974 invasion of Cyprus — a comparison the journalist rejected as a distraction.
Panayiotou defended his views, stating that he represents the majority of Cypriots who, in his words, “want to normalise relations with Russia”.
The clash ended in mutual accusations of misinformation, with Panayiotou calling it “democratic dialogue” and Robertson accusing him of undermining EU principles with his stance on the Russian invasion.
This Journalist Has "Evidence" That I'm a Russian Asset pic.twitter.com/JfwpJEYKle
— Fidias Panayiotou (@Fidias0) May 21, 2025
The incident comes days after German MEP Moritz Körner urged Panayiotou to visit Ukraine in person to witness the consequences of Russian attacks first-hand. Körner also encouraged him to use his social media influence among young people to share informed perspectives based on direct experience.
