Luxembourg MEP faces backlash over Moscow visit to discuss Ukraine war

Luxembourg’s right-wing Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Fernand Kartheiser, is under growing political pressure following his controversial visit to Moscow, where he is holding talks with Russian officials amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Kartheiser, of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR), arrived in the Russian capital at the invitation of the State Duma, Caliber.Az reports.

According to him, he is scheduled to meet members of the Russian government and both chambers of Parliament on May 26 and 27. The discussions are set to cover a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations, human rights, European security, and Russia’s relations with international organisations

“Time to renew dialogue with Russia!” he declared in a post on X.

Time to renew dialogue with Russia!

I am in Moscow at the invitation of the State Duma to discuss with Russian counterparts the many pressing issues that our countries and our continent faces.

I will meet with members of government and the two chambers of Parliament, today and… pic.twitter.com/vQvlBtpekC

— Fernand Kartheiser (@FernKartheiser) May 26, 2025

The trip has sparked swift condemnation, particularly from within his home country. Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, expressed strong disapproval of Kartheiser’s engagement with Russian authorities, while critics have questioned the appropriateness of such a visit amid Russia's continued aggression in Ukraine.

Kartheiser defended his actions, insisting the trip is self-financed and that he would not be accepting money from any outside sources. He also accused the European Parliament of obstructing diplomatic dialogue with Moscow, prompting him to act independently.

However, his visit may come at a high political cost. The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, to which Kartheiser belongs in the European Parliament, announced that co-chairs Nicola Procaccini and Patryk Jaki will initiate proceedings to expel him from the group. In a statement to RTL, the ECR leadership said Kartheiser had “crossed a red line” by choosing to travel to “Putin’s Russia.”

By Sabina Mammadli