World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Russia bars two French MPs and two journalists from entering the country
Russia has barred four French citizens from entering the country: MPs Sacha Houlié and Arthur Delaporte, and journalists Ariane Chemin and Paul Gogo.
Moscow said the move is retaliation for France expelling Xenia Fedorova, a pro-Kremlin commentator on French channel CNews.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the four had taken part in what Moscow called harassment of Fedorova and had called for her expulsion.
The ban marks a new diplomatic dispute between Russia and France over the treatment of a media commentator.
The announcements do not give further details about how or when the ban will be enforced.
No next steps were specified.
Russia barred two French lawmakers and two journalists from entering the country.
The decision was announced on Wednesday, 11 November.
Moscow said the measure was in response to the expulsion of pro-Kremlin commentator Xenia Fedorova.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the four had taken part in harassing Fedorova and calling for her expulsion.
- Who
- French lawmakers Sacha Houlié and Arthur Delaporte, and journalists Ariane Chemin and Paul Gogo.
- What
- Russia barred them from entering the country.
- When
- Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
- Where
- Russia.
- Why
- Moscow said they had taken part in harassing Xenia Fedorova and calling for her expulsion.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Xenia Fedorova was expelled, according to the Russian explanation for the measure.
Russia announced an entry ban on the two French lawmakers and two journalists.
- Banned lawmakers
- Sacha Houlié and Arthur Delaporte
- Banned journalists
- Ariane Chemin and Paul Gogo
- Russian spokeswoman
- Maria Zakharova
- Announced
- 11 November 2026
3 sources
Russia bans two French lawmakers and two journalists from entry
La Russie interdit l'entrée sur son territoire à deux députés et deux journalistes français, en réponse à l'expulsion de Xenia Fedorova
Deux députés et deux journalistes français, dont un collaborateur de Ouest-France, interdits de territoire par la Russie
What people are saying
because of their participation in the harassment of Fedorova and their calls for her expulsion