US imposes new sanctions on Russian state media
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has unveiled new sanctions targeting the Russian media channel RT, labeling it as a “de facto arm of Russia’s intelligence apparatus.”
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Blinken described RT as part of a broader network of Russian-backed media outlets designed to secretly “undermine democracy in the United States.” He also alleged that RT hosts a cyber operations unit connected to Russian intelligence.
RT broadcasted Blinken’s comments live on X, dismissing them as the “US’s latest conspiracy theory.”
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, suggested that a new profession should be created in the US focused on sanctions against Russia.
In response to accusations of attempting to influence elections, RT’s editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan, who was sanctioned by the US last week, remarked that the US is an excellent teacher, noting that many RT staff members have studied in the US and received US funding.
The State Department has accused RT, formerly known as Russia Today, of conducting “information operations, covert influence, and military procurement” across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Blinken further claimed that RT has been involved in online fundraising for military equipment for Russian soldiers in Ukraine and has attempted to influence Moldovan politics in preparation for the October 2024 presidential elections.
Previously, the US indicted two RT employees for allegedly interfering in this year’s presidential election, but officials now suggest that RT’s role in undermining democracies is even more significant.
RT responded by ridiculing the US government’s accusations, with a statement to the BBC saying, “2016 called and it wants its clichés back,” and adding, “Three things are certain in life: death, taxes and RT’s interference in the US elections.”
Blinken emphasized in a press conference, “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.” He stressed that the sanctions are not targeting the content of RT’s reporting and reaffirmed the US’s commitment to independent journalism.
“Covert influence activities are not journalism,” he said.
The announcement is part of a suite of actions the US government has taken against Russian state media as the 2024 election approaches. The State Department has also designated RT as a foreign mission.
