Overview
- On Friday, May 29, 2026, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot publicly called Xenia Fedorova a "propagandist" who relays Kremlin disinformation.
- France's audiovisual regulator Arcom is examining several formal complaints, including one filed by MEP Valérie Hayer, over Fedorova's remarks on CNews.
- Canal+ chief Maxime Saada defended giving Fedorova airtime as part of editorial plurality and said broadcasters will continue to air differing views.
- Fedorova is the former head of RT France who has increased her profile across outlets in Vincent Bolloré's media group and attended a Bolloré-linked think-tank lunch that prompted questions about her ties.
- Because French law strongly protects free expression, officials say direct state action is limited so the dispute will turn on regulator decisions, public protests, and political scrutiny of her 2024 residence-permit renewal.