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Russia bans two French lawmakers, two journalists in tit-for-tat move
Russia has barred two French lawmakers and two journalists from entering the country, saying they harassed former RT France head Xenia Fedorova. The move is retaliation for France’s expulsion of Fedorova in July, deepening tensions over alleged Russian influence and restrictions on state-backed media.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova named lawmakers Sacha Houlie and Arthur Delaporte, and journalists Paul Gogo and Ariane Chemin. France accused Fedorova of relaying Russian propaganda and threatening national interests; Houlie said the ban recognised his work against foreign interference. Russia has barred dozens of Western journalists and lawmakers since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In short
- Russia bars four French public figures.
- Moscow says the move responds to Fedorova’s expulsion.
- Russia has barred dozens of Western figures since 2022.