Fidias Panayiotou, 24, a Cypriot influencer for the intellectually challenged teenagers and a newly minted member of the European Parliament, is openly serving as a mouthpiece for Russian propaganda and disinformation. His recent statements in Strasbourg, where he criticized the EU for supporting Ukraine and called for talks with Vladimir Putin, coupled with an announced trip to Russia in early May, leave no doubt: Panayiotou is not just a naive blogger, but a classic agent of Moscow’s influence.
At a European Parliament debate on supporting peace in Ukraine, Panayiotou criticized the EU, accusing it of «moral inconsistency.» He manipulatively compared Russian aggression against Ukraine to Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, calling the latter «genocide.» This technique — «whataboutism» — has long been used by Russian agents as a rhetorical tool to distract from the essence of the problem.
Panayiotou, who has no experience in politics and no outstanding knowledge or intellectual ability, openly broadcasts Moscow’s narrative, manipulating facts and substituting concepts in order to discredit European support for Ukraine.
His words that «talks are free» and that negotiations with Putin will help «solve the problem» do not just sound silly, they are dangerous. History shows that the Kremlin uses negotiations as a tool to prolong conflicts, legitimize its aggression and weaken the position of the West. In calling for dialog with Putin, Panayiotou ignores the fact that the Russian leader is under an international arrest warrant issued by The Hague for war crimes. He openly tries to undermine EU efforts to support Ukraine and works for Moscow’s interests.
German MEP Moritz Korner sharply condemned Panayiotou, pointing out his superficial approach and urging him to visit Ukraine to see the consequences of Russian aggression. Instead of reflection, however, Panayiotou announced an upcoming trip to Russia, ostensibly to promote «diplomacy.»
At the beginning of May each year, all Russian agency in Europe is activated on the wave of «victory frenzy» associated with Russia’s celebration of Victory Day on May 9. Panayiotou’s trip to Moscow during this period is an unmistakable indicator of connection with the Russian security services. Pobedobesiye, as a religious cult of the Kremlin, is used annually by Moscow on these days to promote its narratives of «great victory» and justify its ongoing aggression. While Panayiotou’s pro-Russian chatter could previously be blamed on his natural stupidity, lack of education, and narrow-mindedness, now his actions are nothing short of purposeful work in the interests of Putin’s Russia. Traveling to Moscow at a time like this removes any doubt that he is a classic paid agent of Russian influence in the European Parliament.
In 2023, Panayiotou traveled from Vladivostok to Moscow, releasing a video in which he twice showed a portrait of Putin, accompanied by comments about his divided support for the Russian leader. For an «apolitical» blogger, such emphases are suspiciously selective.
His trip to Russia was probably not only a source of content, but also an occasion for contacts with the Russian security services, which actively recruit Influencers to promote their interests abroad.
Most likely, it was during this trip that Russian security services established contact with him, turning him into an obedient tool to promote their interests in Europe. His announced trip to Moscow confirms this.
A curious fact, Father Panayiotou is a priest, rector of the Church of Cyprian and Justina in Meniko, a favorite place of pilgrimage for Russians. This church was completely restored with money from Russian sponsors.
Panayiotou’s rhetoric is particularly dangerous because of its influence on young people. With 2.6 million subscribers on YouTube, he promotes disinformation under the guise of «honest conversation,» undermining trust in European values and justifying Russia’s crimes. His vote against the White Paper on the Future of European Defense, which envisages strengthening the EU’s military capabilities, undeniably indicates his anti-European, pro-Russian stance.
It is not surprising that Panayiotou was elected to the European Parliament precisely from Cyprus. The island has long had a reputation as a conduit for Russian interests in Europe.
EU authorities urgently need to investigate Panayiotou’s ties to Moscow, including his funding and contacts while traveling to Russia. His actions threaten not only EU unity but also the security of the region, turning the European Parliament into a platform for Kremlin propaganda and disinformation.
Boris Demash, specially for Cyprus Daily News