In Response to Ksenia Fedorova's Expulsion: Moscow Bans Entry of Two French Lawmakers and Two Journalists

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday, November 11, the imposition of sanctions barring four French figures from entering its territory and declaring them persona non grata. The list includes two members of the French National Assembly and two journalists, in direct response to the French authorities' decision to expel media figure Ksenia Fedorova, the former director of 'RT France' and a controversial commentator on French media outlets such as CNews, Europe 1, and JDNews.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova explained during a press briefing that this measure targeted MP Sacha Houlié (Place publique) and MP Arthur Delaporte (Socialist Party), alongside journalist Ariane Chemin, senior reporter at 'Le Monde', and journalist Paul Gogo, a former correspondent in Russia who collaborates with several media outlets, for what she described as 'their participation in the harassment of Fedorova and their demands for her expulsion from France.'

Political Condemnation and Objection to Intimidating Democracy

In his initial reaction, Socialist MP Arthur Delaporte described the Russian decision as an 'admission of weakness,' pointing out that the move underscores the geostrategic importance Fedorova represents for Moscow and exposes an attempt to intimidate French parliamentary democracy. Delaporte had previously submitted a formal inquiry to the government regarding the renewal of the Russian media figure's residency permit, while MP Sacha Houlié pursued legal action against her last June.

For his part, Raphaël Glucksmann, candidate for the 2027 French presidential election, commended the stance of the two lawmakers, considering their targeting by Moscow a badge of honor and proof of their effective defense of France's principles and interests in the face of foreign interference.

Media Outcry and Assault on Journalistic Freedom

Meanwhile, the French newspaper 'Le Monde' condemned in the strongest terms the entry ban against its reporter Ariane Chemin and journalist Paul Gogo, viewing the decision as a new obstacle to independent news coverage. The newspaper noted that its Moscow correspondent, Benjamin Quénelle, had also been stripped of his press accreditation in early 2025 in an unprecedented move since 1957, affirming that it will continue to investigate activities and influence networks linked to Russia in Europe and its war in Ukraine. The newspaper 'Ouest-France' also condemned the decision, describing it as an overt assault on press freedom.

Crisis Background: Deportation and Asset Freeze

The roots of this diplomatic tension trace back to the decision issued by the French Ministry of the Interior on July 29, which ordered the deportation of Ksenia Fedorova (45) and froze her financial assets to prevent acts of interference, following allegations that she disseminated 'disinformation narratives aimed at destabilization and manipulating public opinion.' Although she filed an emergency appeal before the Paris Administrative Court, it was rejected on August 3. The European Union followed suit in September by imposing similar sanctions that included freezing her assets and barring her from traveling within EU territory, which Moscow regarded at the time as persecution of media representatives.