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EU Sanctions Former RT France Chief Xenia Fedorova Over FIMI

France

GONZALO FUENTES/Reuters

GONZALO FUENTES/Reuters

What Happened

On Sept. 24, 2026 the EU Council added former RT France head Xenia Fedorova to its sanctions list over foreign information manipulation and interference. The measures freeze her assets in the EU, impose a travel ban and bar EU entities from providing her funds or resources.

What Happened

On Sept. 24, 2026 the EU Council added former RT France head Xenia Fedorova to its sanctions list over foreign information manipulation and interference. The measures freeze her assets in the EU, impose a travel ban and bar EU entities from providing her funds or resources.

Where Sources Agree

  • arrows_inputEU Imposes Sanctions: Sources verify the European Union formally imposed sanctions on former RT France chief Xenia Fedorova on September 24, resulting in a travel ban and an asset freeze across all 27 member states, according to the official EU sanctions listing.
  • arrows_inputBasis for EU Sanctions: Outlets concur on the European Union’s decision to sanction former RT France chief Xenia Fedorova for engaging in foreign information manipulation and interference, which officials state involves disseminating pro-Russian narratives intended to undermine democracy, according to the official EU sanctions listing.
  • arrows_inputFrench Expulsion Order Issued: Reporting largely establishes that the French Ministry of the Interior issued an administrative expulsion order against former RT France chief Xenia Fedorova on July 29, 2026, revoking her residence permit because her conduct posed a serious threat to public order and the fundamental interests of the state.

Where Sources Disagree

  • arrows_outputFedorova's Professional Role: European officials and mainstream outlets report that Fedorova actively disseminates pro-Russian narratives and propaganda through French media. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry contends she is an independent journalist who has not worked for Russian media for several years.
  • arrows_outputJustification for Fedorova Sanctions: European officials justify the sanctions as necessary measures to counter foreign information manipulation and interference in European affairs. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry characterizes the move as an act of political censorship and repression against independent journalism.

Timeline

September 25, 2026

Official reactions and backlash: French and EU officials, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, welcomed and defended the sanctions as necessary to counter destabilising Russian influence, while Russian spokespeople condemned the move as politically motivated censorship and warned of responses.

September 24, 2026

EU imposes sanctions Sept. 24: On September 24, 2026 the EU added Fedorova to its sanctions list for spreading pro-Kremlin narratives and FIMI, imposing an asset freeze across all 27 member states and banning EU citizens and entities from providing funds; the decision was part of wider measures targeting 81 individuals and 20 organisations.

August 1, 2026

Formally expelled after appeal: Fedorova, aged 45, was formally expelled from France in August 2026 after losing an appeal against the court ruling ordering her to leave; her lawyer said she was abroad on holiday when the deportation took effect.

Summary by Ground AI

Sources

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