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Russia Demands France Release Detained Humanitarian Worker Novikova

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Russia has urged France to release Anna Novikova, a dual Russian-French national detained on espionage charges.
Novikova founded a humanitarian organization aiding people in Russian-controlled Ukraine.
French prosecutors have not disclosed specific details about the allegations.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the detention as part of a “spy mania” in Europe.
In a 2023 interview, Novikova stated she is not an agent of the Kremlin or the FSB.

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Story summary

Russia has urged France to release Anna Novikova, a dual Russian-French national detained on espionage charges.
Novikova founded a humanitarian organization aiding people in Russian-controlled Ukraine.
French prosecutors have not disclosed specific details about the allegations.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the detention as part of a “spy mania” in Europe.
In a 2023 interview, Novikova stated she is not an agent of the Kremlin or the FSB.