"Freedom of Expression or Russian Propaganda?"... Debate Intensifies in France Over Pro-Russian Commentator

Former Head of Russian State News Channel's French Branch
Spreads Pro-Russian Messages on CNews, Europe1, and JDD
"Effectively Helping Putin"... Clear Institutional Limitations

Controversy has arisen as the former head of the French branch of the Russian state-owned news channel RT continues to spread pro-Russian messages through major media outlets.

Ksenia Fedorova, former head of the French branch of the Russian state-owned news channel RT, appearing on a news broadcast. Europe1 YouTube

According to Yonhap News Agency and AFP on May 29 (local time), Ksenia Fedorova, former head of "RT France," recently appeared on the far-right French broadcaster CNews, where she asserted, "Russia can help the French economy" and argued that "the next French president should maintain friendly relations with Moscow."

"RT France" was shut down in 2023 in France following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but Fedorova has continued to expand her influence in French public discourse. She regularly appears on CNews and the radio channel Europe1, both under the media group owned by billionaire Vincent Bollore, known as "France's Rupert Murdoch," and contributes columns to the weekly magazine Le Journal du Dimanche (JDD).

Earlier last month, while analyzing Russian President Vladimir Putin's Victory Day speech, Fedorova claimed, "It was the West that decided to prolong this war." She has consistently maintained the position that "Russia wants peace" and that "responsibility for the continuation of the war lies with Ukraine and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)."

French authorities and disinformation experts warn that, ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Fedorova is repeatedly amplifying the Kremlin's narrative about the war in Ukraine and the West. However, given France's strong protection of freedom of expression, it is difficult to legally prevent this.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo by TASS

Marina Ovsyannikova, a former journalist for Russian state television who sought asylum in France after protesting President Putin's invasion of Ukraine during a live broadcast, warned that "giving Fedorova a platform is dangerous." Ovsyannikova expressed concern, saying, "What I fled from in Russia is now happening in France," and added, "I am terrified as I witness this surge in far-right sentiment here."

Valerie Hayer, a member of the European Parliament, also stated on her social media account on May 13 that she had filed a complaint with the media regulatory authority "ARCOM." Hayer argued, "Fedorova has spread propaganda for Russia—a country under European sanctions—for years," and emphasized, "Freedom of expression does not mean that French broadcast media are exempt from fulfilling their responsibilities."

On the other hand, Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+, a subsidiary of the Bollore Group, defended Fedorova, saying, "You cannot call her a Russian agent; she is simply a journalist." He added, "CNews will continue to provide a variety of perspectives going forward."

Jean-Noel Barrot, France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, stated, "Everyone is free to choose their own editorial policy," but also criticized, "Giving her airtime and space in the media effectively aids Putin's intentions." He acknowledged the institutional limitations by saying, "In a democracy, people are not sent to the gulag (forced labor camps) for lying."

Julien Nocetti, a researcher at the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), said, "There is no evidence of a direct link between Fedorova and Russia, but she should be considered an 'influencer.'" Some civic groups have announced plans to stage protests demanding the cancellation of Fedorova's French residence permit. The French government extended her residence permit for 10 years in 2024.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.