Putin's former propagandist expelled from France for 'attacking French interests'

France has expelled Ksenia Fedorova, identified as a former propagandist for Russian state media, accusing her of spreading disinformation that undermines French national interests. The 45-year-old, who led the French version of RT (formerly Russia Today) from 2017 to 2022, is now a prominent figure in the media empire of billionaire Vincent Bolloré. She has published a book in French, writes a column for Le Journal du Dimanche, and participates in debates on Europe 1 radio and Cnews.

French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly labeled Fedorova a "state propagandist, not a journalist." Her continued presence in France, where she held a ten-year residence permit, was deemed a "serious threat to public order" by the Interior Ministry. The expulsion order, obtained by the newspaper Libération, states that Fedorova's active role in French media is part of "disinformation campaigns led by Russian authorities" aimed at destabilizing European citizens' trust in their institutions.

Fedorova's lawyer announced an immediate appeal against the expulsion. The process of forcing her departure may be complicated by the lack of direct flights between Russia and France and the strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. According to Libération, Fedorova has been placed under house arrest in her Paris apartment and is prohibited from working in France or traveling to Germany, where she previously resided.