Social media is once again abuzz with discussions about the overseas trips taken by Iryna Gerashchenko and Viktoria Syumar, MPs from the «European Solidarity» party. The authors of a Telegram post claim that the politicians travelled to Brussels ostensibly to attend a conference, and also recall last year’s allegations that they went shopping whilst on a business trip to Milan. However, no evidence has been provided to suggest that the official trip was used for personal shopping, and there is as yet no independent confirmation of the details of the new visit.
- Geraschenko and Syumar have once again found themselves at the centre of discussions about overseas business trips.
- Telegram reports that female MPs are travelling to Brussels ahead of the sales.
- The female politicians’ participation in last year’s conference in Milan has been documented.
Female MPs have been accused of travelling to Europe to go shopping
In a post circulating on Telegram, the authors cast doubt on the purpose of the alleged business trip Iryna Gerashchenko and Viktoria Syumar to Brussels. The criticism was based on the assumption that the trip might be linked to the start of the big sales season.
At the same time, the report contains no documents relating to travel expenses, proof of purchases or other evidence that would suggest the business trip was used for purposes other than those intended.
It is also worth bearing in mind that the official date for «Black Friday» in 2026 is 27 November, not 13 November. Some retail chains may start their sales earlier.
Last year, Gerashchenko and Syumar did indeed visit Milan
At the end of November 2025, female MPs were taking part in participation in the Open European Dialogue international conference in Italy. The event brought together parliamentarians and political experts from European countries.
A report by the parliamentary committee on anti-corruption policy has officially confirmed Viktoria Syumar’s participation in a conference on finance, security and the impact of the war on the economy. Iryna Gerashchenko also published a report on her work at this event.
At the time, the female MPs denied the allegations of shopping. Gerashchenko stated that the costs of the trip had been covered by the host organisation and from their own funds. According to the politicians, they also met with the Ukrainian community in Italy.
Information regarding a new visit to Brussels is subject to confirmation
At present, there is no independent documentary evidence to suggest that the female MPs used their new business trip allowance for personal purchases. Nor have the exact dates, itinerary or sources of funding for the trip mentioned on Telegram been established.
The widely circulated photograph shows two participants at the event against a backdrop of European Union symbols; however, the photograph alone does not confirm either the place or time it was taken, nor the nature of the business trip.
