EU sanctions former RT France executive Xenia Fedorova over Russian information manipulation

BRUSSELS, September 24, 2026 — The Council of the European Union imposed restrictive measures on Xenia Fedorova for what it described as her role in Russia's continued hybrid activities targeting the EU and its member states.

Fedorova, a Russian media figure and former president and director of information at RT France, was involved in implementing and disseminating the broadcaster's editorial line, including pro-Russian narratives concerning Russia's war against Ukraine, the Council said.

After RT's broadcasting activities were suspended in the EU, Fedorova continued appearing in French media, including CNews, Europe 1 and Le JDNews. The Council said she disseminated narratives aligned with those promoted by Russian authorities on the war in Ukraine, European support for Kyiv, NATO and EU-Russia relations.

The designation subjects Fedorova to an EU asset freeze. EU citizens and companies are also prohibited from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to her. The measures were enacted through Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2164 and Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2165, published in the EU's Official Journal.

Fedorova's addition brings the EU's Russia destabilisation sanctions regime to 81 individuals and 20 entities. The framework was established in October 2024 to target people and organisations involved in Russian activities that the EU says undermine its security, stability, democratic institutions and integrity. Consilium The EU has increasingly used the regime against individuals and organisations it says are involved in foreign information manipulation, propaganda, cyberattacks and other Russian hybrid activities. Previous listings have included media figures, influencers, propagandists and state-linked organisations.