Paris – 02.06.2026 : Laurent Nuñez, Secretary of State at the French Ministry of the Interior, denied reports suggesting state support for Xénia Fedorova in the issuance of her ten-year residence permit. The former director of the Russian channel RT France obtained this long-term residence permit in 2024, but according to Nuñez, this was done without any intervention from public authorities.
Xénia Fedorova was head of RT France from 2017 to 2022 and was declared an undesirable person by the French government in 2022. She was then expelled from the territory. The following year, she submitted a new application for a residence permit, which was granted to her, sparking debates in public opinion and among political actors. Some critics considered this decision contradictory to France’s stance towards Russia.
Nuñez emphasized that all immigration decisions are based on clear legal grounds and that no exemption was granted to Fedorova. Respect for the rule of law is central in all decisions. Nevertheless, the debate on the reasons and consequences of this residence permit remains lively.
Fedorova has since announced her return to France and wishes to resume her activities in the media sector. She stated that she wants to contribute constructively to the French media landscape and sees her return as a professional challenge.
This case illustrates the complex interfaces between migration, media, and international relations, especially in the context of Franco-Russian tensions. The granting of long-term residence permits to individuals with a similar profile raises controversies among political observers and raises questions about coherence and firmness in handling sensitive cases in foreign policy.
The French government faces pressure to communicate transparently and ensure that its decisions comply with national and international legal requirements. In the coming months, public and political debate is expected to intensify in order to clarify France’s position on similar cases.
Furthermore, Xénia Fedorova’s case highlights the challenges related to migration policy, particularly for people connected to conflicts and diplomatic tensions. The balance between law and political issues remains especially delicate in these situations. It will be crucial to see how authorities decide, to uphold the rule of law while taking into account the interests of French foreign policy.
Overall, the management of this case is emblematic of the complexity of issues mixing migration, media freedom, and geopolitical considerations in current French policy. Observers anticipate that future decisions in this area will be scrutinized more closely.
Sources
- Le Monde
- Franceinfo