Full Breakdown
France Expels Former RT France Chief Xenia Fedorova Over Alleged Kremlin Propaganda
7/29/2026, 10:27:55 PM
Core Event: Expulsion Order Issued
On July 29, the French Ministry of the Interior issued an administrative expulsion order against Xenia Fedorova, the former head of the Russian state-run channel RT France. The order revokes her French residence permit, bars her from working in the country, and places her under house arrest pending departure.
Background & Context
- RT France ban – The European Union banned RT’s distribution in March 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine; the French arm of the network was subsequently shut down.
- Media presence – After RT France’s closure, Fedorova continued to appear on French outlets owned by conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré, including the CNews television channel, Europe 1 radio, and the weekly *Le Journal du Dimanche*. French newspaper *Libération* described her as a “protégé” of Bolloré.
- Residence permit – French authorities extended Fedorova’s residence permit for ten years in 2024, despite her prior role at RT France.
- He reiterated his unchanged opinion of her in June 2024.
Official Statements & Responses
- Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot – In May 2024, Barrot said that allowing Fedorova on French airwaves was “simply doing Vladimir Putin’s bidding.”
Criticism & Opposition
- European Parliament – Members of the centrist Renew group have called on the EU to impose sanctions on Fedorova, labeling her a “well-known Russian propagandist.”
- Media experts – Analysts and activists argue that Fedorova functions as a conduit for Kremlin-directed disinformation, posing a threat to public order.
On-the-Ground Reports
The demonstration highlighted public concern over her continued media influence.
Data & Statistics
- 2022 – EU-wide ban on RT content following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- 2024 – French authorities granted Fedorova a ten-year residence permit, later revoked by the July 29 expulsion order.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The precise impact of her commentary on French public opinion is not quantified in the available sources.
What’s Next
Fedorova’s legal team has indicated that an appeal will be filed promptly, but the timeline for any court proceedings has not been disclosed. The outcome of the appeal will determine whether the expulsion order is upheld or overturned.
