Xenia Fedorova returns to French television remotely, Barrot: I am heartbroken

Xenia Fedorova, the former head of the Russian state broadcaster Russia Today, is expected to appear on French screens again as a commentator, even though she has been expelled from France and accused of spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda.

Fedorova is now part of the CNews television channel, owned by billionaire Vincent Bolloré. Because she is barred from entering French territory, she will take part in programs via videoconference.

The decision has drawn reactions from the French government. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said he was “very surprised” and “heartbroken” that major media groups were offering studios and public platforms to people who, in his view, had been rightly expelled from France.

Barrot described Fedorova as a “Kremlin propaganda agent.” He said French authorities had expelled her following accusations that she was involved in Russian-organized disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing public order in France.

Her expulsion was ordered at the end of July, after several months of controversy over statements and public appearances in which she supported Vladimir Putin’s policies. In addition to this measure, French authorities decided to freeze her accounts and assets for six months.

The ban on entering France, however, does not prevent Fedorova from taking part in television programs remotely. Gauthier Le Bret, a CNews presenter, confirmed that she would return via a video link to provide her commentary and analysis.

Her renewed presence in the media controlled by Bolloré has raised concerns in France about the influence she could have on public debate, particularly ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“Why should studios be opened to someone, newspaper columns be made available to them, and airtime be given to someone who has been proven to be working in the service of Russia against France and the European Union?” Barrot said.