France is taking steps to deport Xenia Fedorova, a prominent figure accused of disseminating Russian propaganda. Fedorova, who previously led RT France, has been a subject of controversy due to her alleged ties with the Kremlin.
In May 2026, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described Fedorova as a "fully fledged propagandist who relays the Kremlin’s disinformation." This statement followed calls from the Renew Europe group for individual sanctions against her, citing her role in spreading pro-Russian narratives about the war in Ukraine and the European Union.
Fedorova's presence in French media has been a point of contention. Raphaël Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament, criticized her involvement, stating, "It is necessary to remove the microphone from Xenia Fedorova, a 'Russian agent' who poses a direct threat to Europe."
Despite these pressures, Fedorova's legal status in France remains secure. In 2024, she was granted a ten-year residence permit, a decision that has faced scrutiny. Laurent Nuñez, then Prefect of Police and now Minister of the Interior, clarified that the government did not intervene in this process, stating, "There was no intervention."
As of July 2026, Fedorova has not been included in the European Union's sanctions list targeting individuals linked to Russia's actions in Ukraine. The French Foreign Ministry and Interior Ministry are reportedly exploring alternative measures against her.
The situation continues to evolve, with debates over freedom of speech, national security, and diplomatic relations at the forefront. The French government's next steps will be closely watched to determine how they balance these complex issues.