Former RT France chief Xenia Fedorova fuels concerns over pro-Kremlin influence in French media
Xenia Fedorova’s rise on French conservative outlets is alarming officials who say Kremlin-aligned talking points are gaining reach before key elections.
Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini
Former RT France chief Xenia Fedorova is now a regular voice on major French conservative media, where she promotes lines seen as favorable to Moscow. The article says officials and analysts worry her visibility is normalizing pro-Kremlin messaging at a politically sensitive moment.
A woman who used to lead Russia’s TV channel in France is now talking on big French TV and radio again. Some people think the things she says help Russia’s side too much.
This worries them because France is getting closer to important elections, like a big school vote where the next leader is chosen. They fear tricky messages can spread when lots of people are watching.
It is a bit like letting someone who used to work for one team explain the game to the other team’s fans. That does not always mean cheating, but it makes people pay close attention.
Analysis
What happened
French officials and analysts are alarmed that Xenia Fedorova, the former head of RT France, has re-emerged as a frequent commentator on prominent conservative French outlets. The article says she appears on CNews and Europe 1 and writes for Le Journal du Dimanche, where her comments are seen as echoing Kremlin-friendly narratives about Ukraine, Russia, and the West.
Why it is controversial
Fedorova has argued that Russia could help the French economy and that Macron’s successor should keep good relations with Moscow. France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, said media outlets are free to choose their editorial line, but accused them of doing Vladimir Putin’s bidding by giving her airtime. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon called some of her claims about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine very serious. Renew group leader Valérie Hayer said she had filed a complaint with media regulator Arcom.
The wider debate
The article frames Fedorova as a test case for France’s tension between freedom of expression and concern over foreign propaganda. Disinformation researcher Julien Nocetti said there is no evidence of a direct Kremlin link, but described her as an "agent of influence." Former Russian state TV journalist Marina Ovsyannikova, now in France, warned that giving Fedorova a platform is dangerous. The piece also notes that her residence permit was extended for 10 years in 2024, and that some groups plan to protest and demand it be revoked.
Bottom line
The article does not prove coordination with Moscow, but it argues that Fedorova’s growing visibility is helping pro-Kremlin narratives reach mainstream French audiences at a sensitive political moment.
Key points
- Xenia Fedorova, former RT France chief, is now appearing regularly on major French conservative media outlets.
- French officials say her comments promote Kremlin-aligned views and may amplify Russian propaganda ahead of elections.
- Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the outlets are free to choose their line, but accused them of serving Putin’s interests.
- Researchers and former Russian journalist Marina Ovsyannikova warned that giving her a platform is risky.
- The article says there is no evidence tying Fedorova directly to the Kremlin, but critics still see her as an influence figure.
