Fernand Kartheiser's stance on EU-Russia relations has time and time again drawn criticism. Since the start of the war, he has travelled to Russia twice and participated in multiple video-calls with Russian Duma members.
In July, Metsola ordered an investigation into the MEP's activities.
The ADR politician, who was ousted from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group in June 2025, writes that in his career as a politician, diplomat, and military officer, he has "seldomly seen a more irrational and counterproductive policy relating to international relations". He compares the EU's position with that of other actors which, he says, continue to maintain relations with Russia in one form or another.
He points in particular to the United States, which he says has diverted from a "policy of isolation" under Joe Biden to renewed dialogue during the second Trump term.
Kartheiser goes on to cite the recent meeting between German Foreign Minister Johann Wandephul and Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, claiming that "evidently other EU foreign ministers will follow suit".
His conclusion: "The policy of isolation is dead."
"If ministers can have contacts with Russia, why are parliamentarians not afforded the same right?", he asks, further rejecting the EU's approach and stating that he will continue to engage with State Duma members, as he waits "for common sense to prevail".
Kartheiser states that he wants "everyone to know that I actively engage with Russian politicians, diplomats, academics, journalists, and others", and that he intends to continue doing so. He closes by urging a change in the EU's Russia policy, calling for "constructive dialogue".
The letter comes a day after the MEP answered questions from Parliament's Advisory Committee on the Conduct of Members, whose conclusions are not yet known. If Kartheiser is found to have breached the Parliament's code of conduct, he could face financial sanctions or a suspension from parliamentary activities.
