US accuses Russian TV outlet of acting as Kremlin intelligence network

The US State Department imposed new sanctions against RT, a Russian state-funded media outlet, alleging it of working hand-in-hand with the Russian military and organising fundraising campaigns to raise money for sniper rifles, body armor, and other equipment for soldiers fighting in Ukraine..

Recent evidence suggests that Russia created a new unit within RT in 2023, tasked with promoting Russian interests worldwide through disinformation, clandestine activities, and military acquisitions. This unit is believed to have links to Russian intelligence and cyber operational capabilities, The Guardian stated in a report.

“Today, we’re exposing how Russia deploys similar tactics around the world,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared. He criticised Russia’s “weaponisation of disinformation” aimed at undermining and polarising democratic societies globally.

The US Treasury Department will impose sanctions on three entities and two individuals associated with Rossiya Segodnya, RT’s parent company, news agency AP reported. This move follows earlier revelations that RT had channelled nearly $10 million to conservative US influencers through a local firm to influence the forthcoming American presidential election, the report added.

Blinken also accused RT of managing crowdfunding campaigns to supply weapons and equipment to Russian troops in Ukraine, including sniper rifles, body armour, and drones, some of which could be sourced from China. He claimed that these campaigns were overseen by RT’s leadership, including Margarita Simonyan, who was recently subjected to a visa ban.

The Secretary of State detailed RT’s global efforts, noting the company’s involvement in influencing elections and unrest in various countries, including Moldova. Blinken suggested that RT’s activities were designed to incite unrest in Moldova’s October 2024 elections if the outcome did not favour a pro-Russian candidate.

In response to RT’s disinformation efforts, Blinken announced a collaborative diplomatic initiative with the UK and Canada to rally international allies against RT and other Russian disinformation mechanisms.

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