France Expels Russian Propagandist Xenia Fedorova Amid Election-Year Tensions

France’s interior ministry announced on Wednesday that Xenia Fedorova, a former head of RT France now working for media outlets owned by billionaire Vincent Bolloré, must leave the country. Fedorova has been placed under house arrest and is required to report daily to a police station while the expulsion proceeds.

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Fedorova began her career as a journalist for Russia’s state-run broadcaster RT. After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, RT France was banned, and she transitioned to commentating for CNews, Europe 1 and writing for *Le Journal du Dimanche*, all part of the media group controlled by Vincent Bolloré. French disinformation experts have warned that her commentary echoes Kremlin narratives, especially ahead of the 2027 presidential election, potentially influencing public opinion and undermining confidence in French institutions.

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*Le Monde* characterized Fedorova as a “protégé” of Bolloré, while *Libération* noted that the order accuses her of acting as a conduit for Russian disinformation intended to manipulate public opinion.

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Human-rights observers and press-freedom advocates have expressed concern that the expulsion could set a precedent for limiting media voices based on perceived political alignment. They argue that the decision conflates criticism of Russian policy with illegal propaganda, potentially chilling legitimate debate in the run-up to the election.

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The case highlights growing scrutiny of foreign-linked media figures in France and raises questions about how democratic societies balance security concerns with freedom of expression. It also underscores the heightened sensitivity to external influence as the country approaches a pivotal electoral cycle.

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