EU Freezes Assets of Former RT France Chief Fedorova in Bid to Curb Kremlin Influence

Key points

• The Council of the European Union added Xenia Fedorova to its sanctions list on September 24, 2026, prohibiting EU entities from providing her with funds and banning her from entering EU territory.
• The sanctions follow a French deportation order issued in July 2026, which was upheld by the Paris Administrative Court in August after Fedorova failed to appeal successfully.
• The EU accused Fedorova of disseminating narratives that portray Western support for Ukraine as prolonging the war and depict European policies as threats to security, specifically referencing her appearances on CNews, Europe 1, and Le Journal du Dimanche.
• French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot welcomed the decision, stating that France and the EU would continue to thwart Russian destabilization activities, while the French Interior Ministry had previously warned that allowing Fedorova to broadcast remotely could facilitate interference.
• The sanctions bring the total number of individuals targeted under this specific EU framework to 81, alongside 20 legal entities, according to Ukrainian Pravda.

Background

This development occurs amid broader EU debates regarding the renewal and scope of sanctions against Russian oligarchs and entities. In late September 2026, the EU faced pressure to lift sanctions on figures like Alisher Usmanov to secure the release of French nationals detained in Azerbaijan, a move criticized by Ukraine and other members as weakening pressure on Moscow. Additionally, EU capitals have been discussing the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defense, highlighting the ongoing tension between diplomatic concessions and maintaining strict sanctions regimes. The current action against Fedorova represents a tightening of these measures, contrasting with the delisting of certain oligarchs, and signals a continued focus on countering information warfare within the bloc.

How outlets are covering it

While all sources confirm the imposition of sanctions, they differ in emphasis. Euronews and France 24 focus on the legal and political dimensions, highlighting the extension of French measures to the entire EU and the involvement of media outlets owned by Vincent Bolloré. Ukrainian Pravda frames the action as a response to 'hybrid activities' and 'foreign information manipulation,' emphasizing the broader context of Russian interference. Vjesti.me provides a more concise overview, noting the cessation of RT France's operations in 2023 but acknowledging Fedorova's continued influence through other channels. French officials, as reported by Euronews and France 24, present the sanctions as a definitive stance against 'hostile operations' against democracy, whereas Fedorova’s previous public stance, noted by France 24, characterizes such restrictions as 'censorship.'

Why it matters

The sanctions against Fedorova mark a significant escalation in the EU’s strategy to combat Russian influence within its borders, particularly in the media sector. By extending French restrictions to all 27 member states, the EU aims to prevent the circumvention of national bans through remote broadcasting or cross-border appearances. This move underscores the bloc’s concern over the adaptation of Russian propaganda tactics, which have shifted from state-controlled channels like RT to private media networks. It also highlights the ongoing tension between media freedom and national security, as well as the EU’s willingness to prioritize countermeasures against perceived hybrid threats over diplomatic concessions, such as the recent delisting of certain oligarchs.

What to watch

The immediate consequence is the freezing of Fedorova’s assets across the EU and a ban on her entry into any member state. She is expected to challenge the sanctions in court, similar to her previous legal battles regarding the French deportation order. Media outlets associated with Vincent Bolloré may face further scrutiny or regulatory pressure if they attempt to facilitate her remote appearances, as warned by French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The EU may also consider additional measures against other individuals or entities deemed to be spreading pro-Russian narratives, potentially expanding the sanctions list beyond the current 81 individuals and 20 legal entities.