What's happened
France has issued an expulsion order against Xenia Fedorova, the former head of RT France, accusing her of acting as a conduit for Russian disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilising public order in France. The order follows reporting by Libération and confirmations from Politico, The Moscow Times and France 24.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The expulsions reflect France's ongoing effort to curb disinformation linked to foreign powers amid a high-stakes domestic political cycle.
- Liberty’s reporting that the prefecture cites Fedorova as a conduit for Russian disinformation suggests government concerns about narrative influence beyond traditional media boundaries.
- The case tests the balance between freedom of expression and national security, particularly for journalists with transnational careers.
- Expect more scrutiny of media figures with state-backed ties, as political actors seek to limit foreign messaging in public discourse.
- This could escalate tensions with Russia-backed voices in European media ecosystems and influence how European outlets vet foreign contributors.
How we got here
Fedorova previously led RT France before its shutdown in 2023. She has since remained in France, appearing as a commentator on CNews and Europe 1 and writing for Le Journal du Dimanche, often echoing Kremlin positions on Ukraine and the West. The expulsion order highlights ongoing concerns about foreign malign influence in French public life ahead of the 2027 elections.
Our analysis
Politico: Laura Kayali reports that Libération cites an expulsion order alleging Fedorova spread Kremlin-linked disinformation. The Moscow Times and France 24 corroborate the narrative, noting her past as RT France editor and current appearances in European conservative media. France 24 adds context on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the shutdown of RT France in 2023.
Go deeper
- Will other former RT staff face similar scrutiny in Europe?
- How might this expulsion influence France’s rhetoric ahead of elections?
More on these topics
-
France - Country in Europe
France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.