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| RT’s headquarters in Moscow. The network carried out operations at the direction of officials reporting directly to the Kremlin, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said. |
US, UK, and Canada Impose Sanctions on Russia’s RT for Global Disinformation Operations
On Friday, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom accused Russia’s global television network, RT, of operating as an extension of Russia’s intelligence agencies. In response, new sanctions were announced to cut off international financing for RT’s disinformation operations worldwide.
Justice Department Indictment: RT Funds Disinformation in the US
The sanctions follow the Justice Department’s recent indictment of two RT employees for funneling $9.7 million to American podcasters via Tenet Media, a video-streaming platform in Tennessee. The aim was to push Kremlin-backed propaganda and undermine the American democratic process ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
Secretary of State Blinken: RT Is an Arm of Russian Intelligence
Speaking at the State Department, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken emphasized that RT is no longer just a state-owned news network, but an active participant in covert intelligence operations. Blinken noted:
“Russian weaponization of disinformation to subvert and polarize free and open societies extends to every part of the world.”
He urged US allies to treat RT’s activities as they would other Russian intelligence operations within their borders.
RT's Global Operations and Covert Activities
RT’s disinformation campaigns extend beyond the United States. These operations include cyberespionage, fund-raising for Russia’s war in Ukraine, and laundering funds to purchase light military equipment such as sniper rifles and drones. These purchases were made from countries like China, further illustrating RT’s involvement in covert operations.
RT’s Interference in Global Elections and Media Influence
The sanctions are part of an ongoing effort by the Biden administration to thwart Russia’s influence operations ahead of the November presidential election. US intelligence officials have accused the Kremlin of attempting to bolster former President Donald Trump’s campaign due to its frustration with the Biden administration’s support for Ukraine.
RT has also been linked to interference in elections and media influence in countries such as Argentina, France, and Moldova, which is set to hold elections soon. Secretary Blinken revealed that RT covertly operates media outlets in Germany (Red.) and Africa (African Stream), designed to spread Kremlin-backed disinformation.
