French Minister Justifies Expulsion of Pro-kremlin Commentator

WHO:

Politico - Xenia Fedorova, a pro-Kremlin Russian commentator, and former head of RT France.

France 24 - Laurent Nunez, French Interior Minister.

France 24 - Emmanuel Piwnica, Fedorova's lawyer.

Politico - Vincent Bolloré, a conservative French billionaire and media owner.

WHAT:

Politico - The French government ordered the expulsion of Xenia Fedorova, citing her comments as an immediate danger to the Republic.

France 24 - Fedorova has been placed under house arrest and is banned from working in France.

Politico - France froze Fedorova’s assets for a period of six months.

France 24 - Fedorova is required to report daily to a police station.

France 24 - Fedorova's employers expressed astonishment at the expulsion order, calling it a serious infringement of freedom of expression.

WHERE:

Politico - France.

France 24 - CNews television channel and Europe 1 radio, where Fedorova has appeared.

WHEN:

Politico - The expulsion order was issued on a Wednesday.

France 24 - Fedorova's book "Bannie" ("Banned") was published last year.

WHY:

Politico - Fedorova was accused of “destabilizing public order,” spreading “disinformation,” and acting as a conduit for Russian disinformation campaigns.

France 24 - Laurent Nunez stated that the expulsion was due to an attack on the fundamental interests of the nation.

HOW:

Politico - The expulsion order was based on accusations of relaying Kremlin propaganda on French television.

(UPDATED July 31, 2026 17:26 UTC)

The French government has ordered the expulsion of Xenia Fedorova, a pro-Kremlin commentator, citing her comments as an immediate danger to the Republic. Fedorova has been placed under house arrest, banned from working in France, and is required to report daily to a police station, while her assets have been frozen for six months. Her employers expressed astonishment at the expulsion order, calling it a serious infringement of freedom of expression, as she has been accused of destabilizing public order and acting as a conduit for Russian disinformation campaigns.