Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou has stirred controversy with his visit to Moscow for Russia’s Victory Day 2025 celebrations. His attendance alongside MEPs from Germany’s Sarah Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) and Slovakia’s SMER party, both of which hold notably softer stances on Russia, has raised eyebrows within the European Parliament. While Panayiotou’s advisor clarified that he would not attend the military parade, the trip itself is seen by some as politically charged and ill-timed.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola urged MEPs to consider the implications of their actions, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine. Her comments, though measured, hinted at the broader diplomatic risks associated with such a visit.
Panayiotou’s camp has defended the trip as an opportunity for ‘engaging in diplomacy,’ with the Cyprus MEP himself expressing a desire to ‘document what he sees.’ However, critics argue that the gesture could be interpreted as tacit support for Russia at a time when international condemnation remains strong over its actions in Ukraine.
The visit, while intended to foster dialogue, risks isolating Cyprus from its European partners, many of whom have taken firm stances against Russia’s military actions. With political tension simmering both in Europe and back home, the question remains: will Fidias Panayiotou’s gamble pay off, or will it backfire, leaving Cyprus diplomatically exposed?
Also read: Ukrainians in Cyprus condemn pro-Russian Victory Day events
