Russia condemns France's expulsion order against pro-Kremlin columnist Xenia Fedorova

Russian diplomacy has condemned France's expulsion order against pro-Kremlin columnist Xenia Fedorova, calling it a politically motivated action based on false accusations.

Key points

• Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Alexei Fadeïev accused France of censoring divergent views and engaging in political persecution.
• French authorities accuse Xenia Fedorova of acting as a relay for Russian disinformation campaigns intended to destabilize public order.
• The Paris administrative court recently rejected a legal challenge filed by the columnist against her expulsion order.
• Current employers Canal+ and Lagardère have denounced the measures as a grave attack on freedom of expression.

Why it matters

The diplomatic fallout highlights intensifying tensions between France and Russia over information control, media influence, and free expression ahead of upcoming political cycles.