Summary of Xenia Fedorova : "La Russie conquérante n'existe que sur LCI !"

The video features an in-depth interview with Xenia Fedorova, a Russian journalist and former president of RT France, discussing her experiences with censorship, media freedom, and the political pressures surrounding RT France and alternative media in France.

Key Points:

  1. Personal Attacks and Labeling:
    Fedorova addresses the numerous false accusations and labels she has faced, such as being called a spy, Kremlin propagandist, or conspiracy theorist. She attributes these attacks to a broader "rousophobia" and a refusal by mainstream French media and political powers to allow dissenting or alternative Russian perspectives to be heard.
  2. Closure of RT France and Censorship:
    She recounts the launch and operation of RT France as a transparent, licensed channel aiming to provide diverse viewpoints, including those neglected by mainstream media. RT France was ultimately closed in 2023 due to political decisions and European sanctions, especially following the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, which served as a pretext for its shutdown. Fedorova emphasizes that the channel respected French laws and editorial standards and that its closure was a form of political censorship rather than a response to any journalistic misconduct.
  3. Challenges for Alternative Media:
    The interview highlights the broader difficulties faced by alternative media outlets in France, including censorship, lack of solidarity among journalists, demonization, and algorithmic suppression on social media platforms. Fedorova notes that alternative media often gain audience trust by covering sensitive topics more honestly than mainstream outlets, but they are systematically marginalized.
  4. Freedom of Expression Debate:
    Fedorova rejects the notion that she is in a poor position to discuss freedom of expression in France despite Russia’s own issues with press freedom. She argues that her experience with censorship in France is real and significant. She also points out that criticism of Russia often ignores the complexity of the situation and the fact that voices critical of the Kremlin are widely heard in Western media.
  5. Narrative and Propaganda:
    The official narrative in France is described as rigid, with clear boundaries on what can be discussed and how. Fedorova criticizes journalists and media institutions for self-censorship and ideological bias, which she sees as a betrayal of journalistic neutrality. She also discusses the competing narratives around Russia: the Western portrayal of Russia as an aggressive threat versus Russia’s self-presentation as a defender of traditional values and Christian civilization.
  6. Ukraine Conflict and Russian Intentions:
    Fedorova disputes the idea that Russia seeks to conquer France or other European countries, calling such fears fantasies promoted by media like LCI. She frames the Ukraine conflict as a civil war with deep historical roots and suggests that Russia is interested in a peace agreement, while blaming the EU for prolonging the conflict.
  7. Experience of Russians in France:
    She speaks about the rise of "rusophobia" in France, with Russians facing discrimination, loss of jobs, and visa issues. Despite political tensions, she notes that ordinary French people, especially outside Paris, tend to be warmer toward Russians.
  8. Call for Solidarity:
    Fedorova concludes with a call for solidarity among journalists, emphasizing that without support for silenced voices, journalism itself is at risk of disappearing.

Additional Notes:

Presenters/Contributors:

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