Paris (France) (AFP) – A Russian TV commentator ordered to leave France after accusations of parroting pro-Kremlin propaganda on Friday slammed what she called "censorship" and "political pressure".
Issued on: 31/07/2026 - 12:44
3 min Reading time
Disinformation experts have raised the alarm about the influence of Xenia Fedorova, a former journalist for Russia's state-run channel RT, as France heads into one of its most consequential elections, with the far-right eyeing presidential power."We are witnessing an entirely new form of political pressure with a single objective: the censorship of opinions that do not conform to the official narrative," Fedorova said on X."Those who celebrate this decision lack foresight, because today it is me, and tomorrow it will be anyone who dares to speak outside the bounds of approved thinking."France this week ordered Fedorova to leave the country, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez accusing her of relaying Russian propaganda in an attempt to attack "the fundamental interests of the nation". She will appeal, her lawyer said.Fedorova, 45, is the former head of the French arm of RT, which was banned in France after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. She is now a commentator for outlets within conservative French billionaire Vincent Bollore's media stable.Fedorova has regularly appeared on the CNews television channel, which is seen as modelled on America's Fox News, and on Europe 1 radio, repeating Kremlin talking points about Ukraine and the West.The voices of the widely followed outlets will be key in 2027 presidential elections where the far-right of Marine Le Pen scents its best ever chance of winning the Elysee.'Russia's talking points'Fedorova, who has also written for Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper, said France had ordered her expulsion under an "emergency procedure".
