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On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced new sanctions against Russian media outlet RT, accusing it of functioning as a “de facto arm of Russia’s intelligence apparatus.” The sanctions come as part of broader efforts by the US government to address alleged Russian interference in global democracies.
Blinken stated that RT, formerly known as Russia Today, is part of a network of Russian-backed media outlets that covertly seek to “undermine democracy in the United States” and other regions. According to Blinken, RT has a unit with cyber capabilities embedded within the organisation, which is linked to Russian intelligence.
RT live-streamed Blinken’s remarks on X, dismissing them as the “US’s latest conspiracy theory.” Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reacted to the sanctions with sarcasm, suggesting the US should create a “new profession” focused solely on sanctions against Russia. Margarita Simonyan, RT’s editor-in-chief, who was sanctioned last week, remarked that many RT staff had studied in the US with American funding.
The US State Department accused RT of engaging in “information operations, covert influence, and military procurement” across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Blinken also alleged that RT was involved in online fundraising to supply Russian soldiers in Ukraine with military equipment, including body armour and sniper rifles. Additionally, the outlet has been accused of attempting to influence Moldova’s politics ahead of its October 2024 presidential elections, in coordination with Russian intelligence.
Previously, two RT employees were indicted for allegedly attempting to interfere in the upcoming US presidential election. US officials now assert that the broadcaster plays a significant role in Russia’s broader efforts to undermine democracies worldwide. RT responded to these accusations by mocking the US, issuing a statement that said, “2016 called and it wants its clichés back. Three things are certain in life: death, taxes and RT’s interference in the US elections.”
Despite the sanctions, Blinken clarified that they were not aimed at RT’s journalistic content, stressing that “covert influence activities are not journalism.” He reiterated the US’s commitment to supporting independent journalism, while emphasising the need to expose Russia’s actions.
He said, “Our most powerful antidote to Russia’s lies is the truth. It’s shining a bright light on what the Kremlin is trying to do under the cover of darkness.”
The latest sanctions against RT are part of a broader set of measures the US government has implemented in anticipation of the 2024 presidential election. The State Department has also designated RT as a foreign mission, further restricting its operations in the US.
Melissa Enoch
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