US Secretary of State Antony Blinken introduced new sanctions in opposition to the Russian media channel RT, accusing it of being “a de facto department of Russian intelligence providers”.
The highest US diplomat instructed reporters on Friday that RT was a part of a Russian-backed media community that was secretly attempting to “undermine American democracy.”
He added that the Russian authorities has “embedded in RT a unit with cyber operations capabilities and hyperlinks to Russian intelligence providers.”
RT broadcast Blinken’s remarks about X dwell and declared that it was “the newest conspiracy idea in the USA.”
International Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated the USA ought to have a “new career” as consultants in imposing sanctions on Russia.
RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan responds to US accusations that RT tried to affect the election Sanctioned by the United States last week stated they had been glorious academics, including that many RT workers had studied in the USA and obtained funding from the USA.
The U.S. State Division accused the state broadcaster, previously often known as Russia In the present day, of participating in “info operations, covert affect and navy procurement” in nations in Europe, Africa, North and South America.
Blinken additionally accused RT of internet hosting an internet fundraiser to purchase physique armor, sniper rifles, drones and different gear for Russian troopers combating in Ukraine.
He stated the community was additionally attempting to affect Moldovan politics in coordination with Russian intelligence forward of the October 2024 presidential election.
The USA has indicted two RT workers for allegedly attempting to intrude on this yr’s presidential election, however U.S. officers stated on Friday the state broadcaster performed a bigger position in Russia’s efforts to undermine democracy.
The state-funded media group responded on the time, mocking the US authorities’s accusations and saying in a press release to the BBC that “2016 is behind us and it needs to return to these clichés”.
“Three issues are sure in life: demise, taxes, and RT’s interference in US elections.”
“Our strongest antidote to Russian lies is the reality. It sheds mild on what the Kremlin is attempting to do underneath cowl of darkness,” Blinken instructed a information convention.
Blinken burdened that the sanctions had nothing to do with the content material of the outlet’s reporting and reiterated U.S. assist for unbiased journalism.
“Clandestine affect operations aren’t journalism,” he stated.
The announcement is a part of a collection of actions by the U.S. authorities concentrating on Russian state media because the 2024 election approaches. The U.S. Division of State additionally designates RT as a overseas mission.
