EU Adds Former RT France Head to Sanctions List Over Disinformation Campaign
The European Union has placed Xenia Fedorova, former director of RT France, on its sanctions list for her role in spreading pro-Kremlin narratives in French media. The Council of the EU cited her involvement in foreign information manipulation and interference that could undermine democracy in member states. The move follows France's expulsion order against her in July and comes as Russian disinformation targets France's 2027 elections.
Fedorova's listing marks the 81st individual sanctioned under the EU's framework targeting Russian destabilizing activities, alongside 20 entities. After RT France ceased operations in 2023, she remained in France and appeared as a commentator on outlets owned by conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré, including CNews and Europe1, where her commentary addressed Western support for Kyiv and NATO relations.
Her French residence permit was renewed for a decade in 2024, but France later ordered her expulsion on July 29, placing her under house arrest with daily police reporting requirements. French authorities described her as a conduit for Russian-orchestrated disinformation, with the sanctions arriving as Moscow's influence operations reportedly focus on France's 2027 presidential election cycle.
This sanctions move could signal a broader EU shift toward targeting individual media figures rather than just outlets, potentially deterring other broadcasters from amplifying state-aligned narratives. French audiences may face heightened scrutiny of political commentary in the run-up to 2027, and the case could strain public trust in media outlets that hosted Fedorova. The listing may also complicate EU-Russia diplomatic channels, though its practical effect likely depends on whether other member states pursue similar expulsion measures.