The French Ministry of the Interior confirmed to POLITICO that an order for Xenia Fedorova’s deportation was issued on Tuesday.
Fedorova did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment, but according to Agence France-Presse, her lawyer plans to appeal the decision.
Previously leading RT France before its closure due to EU sanctions in 2023, Fedorova now appears frequently on CNews, Europe 1 radio, and Le Journal du Dimanche, media outlets owned by French businessman Vincent Bolloré.
POLITICO had earlier noted that Fedorova’s pro-Moscow commentary on Ukraine, NATO, and European security was causing concern among lawmakers and Russian propaganda analysts, particularly with the 2027 French presidential election approaching. Le Monde also highlighted Fedorova’s alleged growing closeness to Bolloré, a media mogul with significant political influence.
Through Bolloré’s media channels, Fedorova has accused French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO of provoking conflict while presenting Russia as seeking peace in Ukraine. She frequently targets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with criticism, portraying the nation as corrupt and unable to win the war.
European Parliament members have lobbied without success for Fedorova to be added to the EU’s Russian sanctions list. Simultaneously, some Paris lawmakers have sought the revocation of her residence permit.
Currently, Fedorova is under house arrest and prohibited from working in France. However, Libération reports that due to strained diplomatic relations with Russia, her actual deportation may face obstacles.
Anthony Lattier contributed to this report.
Leave a Reply