France Orders Expulsion of Russian Journalist Xenia Fedorova Over Alleged Propaganda

The French government has ordered Xenia Fedorova, a Russian journalist and former head of the Kremlin-funded outlet RT France, to leave the country. The Ministry of the Interior issued the expulsion order on Wednesday, with documents citing that Fedorova acts as a conduit for disinformation campaigns led by Russian authorities intended to destabilize public order and manipulate public opinion ahead of next year's presidential election.

Fedorova currently works as a commentator for media outlets including CNews, Europe 1, and the weekly Le JDNews, all part of the media empire owned by billionaire Vincent Bolloré. The French government and President Emmanuel Macron have previously characterized Fedorova as a propagandist for the Kremlin. According to an expulsion decree cited by the newspaper Libération, her presence is considered a "particularly grave and current threat to public order."

In response, Fedorova's lawyer announced that she will immediately appeal the decision, describing it as a serious attack on the freedom of expression of a journalist who has conducted her activities appropriately. Her employers, the Canal+ and Lagardère groups, issued a joint statement condemning the move as a grave infringement on freedom of expression and the pluralism of opinions, arguing that democracy requires the protection of speech even when it is contradictory or disturbing.

RT France ceased operations in January 2023 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While some reports note that Fedorova's residency permit had been extended for ten years in 2024, this new order effectively revokes her right to stay and work in France.