France Orders Former RT France Chief Xenia Fedorova To Leave Over Alleged Kremlin Disinformation

France has ordered Russian commentator and former RT France chief Xenia Fedorova to leave the country, accusing her of spreading Kremlin-backed disinformation and acting as a conduit for Russian influence campaigns. The move comes as France intensifies efforts to counter foreign interference ahead of next year's presidential election. Fedorova, who denies wrongdoing, has been placed under house arrest and is appealing the expulsion order, while her employers argue the decision violates freedom of expression.

French authorities have ordered Russian commentator Xenia Fedorova to leave the country, accusing her of spreading Kremlin-backed propaganda and participating in disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining public order.
France's Interior Ministry issued the expulsion order on Wednesday, alleging that Fedorova acted as a channel for Russian state-sponsored disinformation while working in the French media.
According to French newspaper Liberation, the order states that Fedorova allegedly helped relay propaganda orchestrated by Russian authorities with the objective of destabilising France.
AFP reported that she has also been placed under house arrest pending further legal proceedings.

FORMER RT EXECUTIVE REMAINED IN FRANCE AFTER BROADCAST BAN

Fedorova previously served as head of the Russian state-funded broadcaster Russia Today (RT) in France.
RT was banned across the European Union following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Despite the ban, Fedorova remained in France and later became a regular commentator for media outlets owned by French businessman Vincent Bolloré.
She frequently appeared on CNews television and Europe 1 radio and also wrote for Le Journal du Dimanche, where critics accused her of promoting narratives favourable to the Kremlin regarding Ukraine and relations with the West.

MEDIA GROUP AND LAWYER CONDEMN DECISION

Fedorova's employers described the expulsion order as a serious attack on freedom of expression.
The media group said it was shocked by the government's decision and pledged to support her throughout the legal process.
Her lawyer, Emmanuel Piwnica, announced that an appeal would be filed immediately, insisting that Fedorova is a journalist who has always carried out her work professionally.

MACRON HAS LONG CRITICISED FEDOROVA

The dispute between Fedorova and the French government dates back to 2017, when President Emmanuel Macron questioned whether she should be regarded as a journalist.
Macron argued that media organisations spreading false information should be viewed as instruments of foreign influence rather than independent journalism.
Speaking again in June, the French president said his position had not changed.

GROWING CONCERNS OVER FOREIGN INFLUENCE

The case comes as France increases efforts to counter alleged foreign disinformation ahead of next year's presidential election.
Security experts and researchers have repeatedly warned about the influence of pro-Kremlin narratives in Europe, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Although no direct evidence has been publicly presented linking Fedorova personally to the Kremlin, some disinformation specialists argue that her work has served Russian strategic interests by amplifying narratives favourable to Moscow.
French authorities have not disclosed when the expulsion order will take effect, while legal proceedings are expected to continue following Fedorova's appeal.