The European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament plans to expel MEP Fernand Kartheiser for organizing a trip to Moscow, which contradicts the group's stance on the Russian war in Ukraine. Kartheiser, who is currently in Moscow discussing bilateral relations, is funding the trip himself due to the European Parliament's restrictions on diplomatic efforts with Russia. ECR leaders have condemned his actions and are moving towards expulsion. Other MEPs have also traveled to Russia since the invasion, despite official ties being suspended.