US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has unveiled new sanctions against the Russian media outlet RT, labeling it a “de facto arm of Russia’s intelligence apparatus.” During a press briefing, Blinken articulated that RT is integral to a network of Russian-backed media channels aiming to covertly “undermine democracy in the United States.”
Blinken further emphasized that the Russian government has established a cyber-operations unit within RT that maintains links to Russian intelligence. In a response to Blinken’s remarks, RT live-streamed the conference and dismissed the accusations as the “US’s latest conspiracy theory.”
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, suggested a “new profession” in the US focused on understanding sanctions against Russia. In reaction to claims that RT sought to influence US elections, RT’s editor-in-chief, sanctioned by the US recently, stated that many RT employees had received education and funding in the US.
The State Department accused RT, formerly known as Russia Today, of conducting “information operations, covert influence, and military procurement” across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Blinken also asserted that RT has engaged in online fundraising to acquire equipment for Russian soldiers in Ukraine, including body armor and drones.
Additionally, RT is alleged to be influencing Moldova’s politics in collaboration with Russian intelligence as the country approaches its presidential elections in October 2024. The US has previously indicted two RT employees for purportedly attempting to interfere in this year’s presidential election, with officials asserting that the broadcaster plays a larger role in undermining global democracies.
In response to these claims, RT mocked the accusations by stating that “2016 called and it wants its clichés back.” Despite the tensions, Blinken asserted, “Our most powerful antidote to Russia’s lies is the truth,” emphasizing the importance of transparency in countering Kremlin actions. He clarified that the sanctions were not directed at RT’s content but at its covert influence operations, reinforcing the US’s commitment to independent journalism.
This announcement is part of a larger strategy by the US government to address threats posed by Russian state media as the 2024 election nears, with the State Department officially designating RT as a foreign mission.
