The French Ministry of the Interior has issued an order for the expulsion from the country of pro-Russian journalist and commentator Ksenia Fedorova, the former head of the RT France television channel.
According to the order, Fedorova’s conduct “undermines the fundamental interests of the state,” and her presence in France constitutes “a particularly serious and current threat to public order.” The authorities believe that she acts as a relay for disinformation campaigns organized by the Russian authorities, aimed at destabilizing public order, manipulating public opinion, and undermining citizens’ trust in state institutions.
The order was served on Fedorova’s lawyer at the Paris Police Prefecture. It effectively revokes her residence permit and prohibits her from working in France. According to sources, Fedorova is also banned from entering Germany.
The journalist’s lawyer, Emmanuel Piwnica, stated that she would “immediately file an appeal.” In his words, the decision represents “a serious violation of the freedom of expression of a journalist who has always carried out her activity in the most proper manner possible.”
Ksenia Fedorova headed RT France until the channel’s closure in 2023 following the introduction of European sanctions against Russian state media in connection with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. After that, she remained in France and became a regular commentator on the channels of Vincent Bolloré’s media group — CNews, Europe 1, as well as in the publication JDNews. Earlier she had been granted a ten-year residence permit, which caused political controversy.
The decision was taken against the backdrop of intensifying discussions in France about Russian disinformation and the influence of pro-Kremlin narratives in local media. Fedorova has repeatedly been criticized by French officials, including the foreign minister, as a conduit for Kremlin propaganda.