A former top Russian media executive, expelled from France and banned from entering Germany, is pursuing a leadership role at a prominent cultural institution in Berlin, raising concerns over potential ties to Kremlin influence operations.

Xenia Fjodorova, previously the head of the Russian state-backed broadcaster RT in France, has applied to lead the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin, despite being subject to a German entry ban. Fjodorova was expelled from France earlier this year following accusations of orchestrating Kremlin-supported disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing European democracies. Her application has sparked fresh scrutiny and fears over foreign interference in European institutions.

French authorities justified her expulsion by highlighting her alleged role in spreading propaganda and attempting to manipulate public opinion during key events such as the French presidential election. Germany reinforced these accusations, banning her entry into the country starting in 2024. Officials in both Paris and Berlin have shared information linking Fjodorova’s activities to a broader network allegedly seeking to undermine public trust in European governance.

The Russian House in Berlin, for which Fjodorova is vying to become director, has previously been accused by Western intelligence agencies of serving as a cover for espionage activities. Critics suspect Fjodorova’s application may be an attempt to acquire diplomatic immunity. Meanwhile, Moscow has decried her expulsion and the freezing of her assets as politically motivated actions by European governments. The decision on her Berlin application remains pending.