France has ordered Russian-born TV commentator Xenia Fedorova to leave the country and placed her under house arrest, accusing her of serving as a conduit for Kremlin-backed disinformation campaigns. The French Interior Ministry confirmed the expulsion order on Wednesday, July 29, according to a source close to the case. Fedorova is required to report daily to a police station while awaiting further legal proceedings.
Background and Allegations
Fedorova, the former head of the French branch of Russian state broadcaster RT, currently works for media outlets owned by French billionaire Vincent Bolloré, including CNews television, Europe 1 radio, and Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper. French authorities allege that she has consistently promoted Kremlin narratives on Russia's war in Ukraine and broader Russia-West relations. The expulsion order, cited by French media, states that Fedorova acted "as a conduit for disinformation campaigns orchestrated by the Russian authorities" with the aim of "destabilising public order" and "manipulating public opinion." It further accuses her of seeking to undermine public trust in French and European democratic institutions.
Political Context and Reactions
The decision comes as France prepares for its 2027 presidential election, with disinformation experts warning about the growing influence of foreign-backed narratives. Fedorova's employers condemned the government's decision, describing it as a serious violation of freedom of expression. In a joint statement, Canal+, which owns CNews, and Lagardère, the parent company of Europe 1, said: "Freedom of expression is not defended only when the opinions expressed are widely shared. It is defended precisely when those opinions disturb or provoke disagreement."
Fedorova's lawyer, Emmanuel Piwnica, said his client would immediately appeal the expulsion order, insisting she is a journalist who has always carried out her work professionally. "This decision is a serious infringement of the freedom of expression of a journalist," Piwnica said.
Macron's Stance and Controversy
French President Emmanuel Macron has previously questioned Fedorova's role as a journalist. In 2017, he said media outlets spreading "defamatory falsehoods" should be regarded as "instruments of influence" rather than journalists. Asked about Fedorova in June, Macron said his views had not changed. Although French officials have long expressed concern over Fedorova's editorial positions, authorities renewed her residence permit for another 10 years in 2024. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said in May that giving her a platform amounted to "doing Vladimir Putin's bidding."
International and Legal Dimensions
Members of the Renew group in the European Parliament have also called on the European Union to impose sanctions on Fedorova, describing her as a Russian propagandist. Fedorova has rejected such characterisations. In her 2025 book, Bannie ("Banned"), she portrays herself as a victim of state censorship following the closure of RT France after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The case highlights ongoing tensions between free expression and national security concerns in the context of foreign interference.
