Xenia Fedorova, former head of RT France, has become a frequent commentator on CNews and Europe 1 and writes for Le Journal du Dimanche, stirring concerns about pro-Kremlin influence in French media ahead of the 2027 presidential election [1, 2].

RT France was banned in 2023 after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but Fedorova has since gained a larger audience on conservative channels owned by Vincent Bolloré [1, 2]. At 45, she promotes narratives aligned with the Kremlin, including the claim that "Russia is capable of helping the French economy" and that Macron’s successor must "maintain good relations with Moscow" [1, 2].

French authorities and disinformation experts have raised alarms over her messaging in the run-up to the polls [1, 2]. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said giving Fedorova airtime is "simply doing Vladimir Putin's bidding," adding, "In a democracy, one can spread lies without being sent to a gulag" [2].

Government spokeswoman Maud Brégeon called it "extremely shocking to hear that such statements can be broadcast during prime-time hours today in France," criticizing Fedorova's attempts to shift responsibility for the Ukraine invasion [1].

Valerie Hayer, Renew group leader in the European Parliament, filed a complaint with media regulator Arcom against Fedorova’s broadcasts. Hayer argued that "freedom of expression cannot justify normalising the systematic repetition of the talking points of a foreign state propaganda apparatus subject to European sanctions" [1].

The timeline of events places the origin of controversy with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, followed by the RT France ban in 2023. Fedorova began regularly appearing on French conservative media in May 2026, intensifying worries about Kremlin influence ahead of the 2027 election [1, 2].

Fedorova has stated that it would be "mandatory for French President Emmanuel Macron’s successor in 2027 to maintain good relations with Moscow," underscoring the political stakes of her messaging [2]. The next presidential election is scheduled for 2027.