Russia bans entry to its territory for two deputies and two French journalists, following the expulsion of Xenia Fedorova

French deputies Sacha Houlié and Arthur Delaporte, along with journalists Ariane Chemin and Paul Gogo, have been banned from entering Russia. This action follows the expulsion of pro-Kremlin journalist Xenia Fedorova from France. The Russian Foreign Ministry claims the ban is due to their involvement in harassment against Fedorova. Houlié views the ban as a sign of effective work against foreign interference, while Delaporte calls for a strong diplomatic response. The Kremlin perceives these actions as persecution of media representatives. The relationship between France and Russia is strained due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The newspaper Le Monde strongly condemns the ban and supports its journalists in their reporting efforts.