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Finance

EU sanctions former Russia Today executive Xenia Fedorova

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 24, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: September 24, 2026

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EU Sanctions Former Russia Today Executive Xenia Fedorova for Pro-Russian Activity

EU Imposes Sanctions on Xenia Fedorova

Background of Sanctions

Sept 24 (Reuters) - EU countries on Thursday agreed to impose sanctions on Xenia Fedorova, a former senior executive of Russian broadcaster Russia Today's French division.

Reason for Sanctions

• Fedorova was sanctioned for engaging in foreign information manipulation and interference, the European Union said.

• It said Fedorova had "participated in the implementation and dissemination of RT France's editorial line, including pro-Russian narratives in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine".

French Government Response

Support from French Officials

• French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot backed the EU decision in a post on X. "Our determination is absolute: those who believe they can carry out hostile manoeuvres against our democracy with impunity will face the consequences," he said.

Deportation Order

• The French Interior Ministry, which had labelled Fedorova a Kremlin propagandist, issued a deportation order in July for threatening both French interests and public order while she was abroad.

Fedorova's Professional Background

Legal Representation

• Fedorova's lawyer Emmanuel Piwnica did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Media Affiliations

• French news channel CNews and radio station Europe1, owned by conservative billionaire Vincent Bollore, had recruited Fedorova.

RT France Operations

• The French arm of the Russian state-owned RT television network said it was shutting down in early 2023 after it was included in an EU sanctions package, though its website is still active and streams video shows.

(Reporting by Bart Meijer and Inti Landauro; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

Key Takeaways

  • The EU imposed restrictive measures on Fedorova for engaging in foreign information manipulation that undermines EU democracy and stability (consilium.europa.eu)
  • France had earlier issued an expulsion order and froze her assets for acting as a conduit for Kremlin propaganda on French media platforms (lemonde.fr)
  • French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez emphasized the government’s zero‑tolerance stance, warning CNews of sanctions if she returns to air, and asserting that national security interests override freedom‑of‑expression concerns (lemonde.fr)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Xenia Fedorova sanctioned by the EU?
Xenia Fedorova was sanctioned for engaging in foreign information manipulation and interference by implementing and disseminating pro-Russian narratives during Russia's war against Ukraine.
Which French authorities supported the EU's sanctions on Fedorova?
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and the French Interior Ministry supported the EU's decision and actions against Fedorova.
What actions were taken by the French government against Fedorova?
The French Interior Ministry labeled her a Kremlin propagandist and issued a deportation order in July, citing threats to French interests and public order.
Was Xenia Fedorova associated with any French media outlets after leaving RT France?
Yes, she was recruited by French news channel CNews and radio station Europe1.
What happened to RT France after the EU sanctions?
RT France shut down in early 2023 after being included in an EU sanctions package, though its website remains active and streams video shows.

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