The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has stated that countries should view the activities of Russia’s state-owned television channel RT (formerly known as Russia Today) in the same light as they do with covert intelligence operations. He also announced new sanctions aimed at Russia’s overseas influence activities.
Last week, the United States filed money laundering charges against two RT employees and imposed sanctions on the editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan. U.S. officials claim that RT planned to hire an American company to produce online content to influence the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
On Friday, Blinken told reporters at the State Department that RT is “effectively an arm of the Russian intelligence apparatus.” He stated that RT has transcended the realm of media, possesses cyber capabilities, conducts covert information and influence operations abroad, and even engages in military procurement.
According to a summary released by the U.S. State Department, RT has set up a large online fundraising platform through social media to provide material support and weaponry for Russian forces on the battlefield in Ukraine.
RT’s deputy editor-in-chief and the editor-in-chief of the Russian news agency Sputnik, Anton Anisimov, is in charge of managing this military fundraising project. The State Department stated that the equipment purchased includes sniper rifles, suppressors, scopes, body armor, night vision gear, drones, radio equipment, and diesel generators.
All military equipment and supplies are imported in small batches to evade scrutiny. Some of the equipment comes from China, including reconnaissance drones manufactured by Chinese entities.
Blinken remarked, “Today, we announce that these Kremlin-backed media entities are not only exerting this kind of covert influence, undermining American democracy, but also interfering in the sovereign affairs of various countries.”
The State Department declared that the U.S., UK, and Canada will collaborate on diplomatic efforts to alert other countries to Russia’s actions and share relevant evidence.
Blinken emphasized, “Of course, each government will decide on its own how to address this threat, but we urge every ally, every partner to treat RT’s activities as they would Russia’s other intelligence operations on their soil.”
“The most potent antidote to Russia’s lies is the truth, which is shining a light on the Kremlin’s actions hidden in the dark,” Blinken said.
According to the State Department’s summary, RT also attempted to interfere in Moldova’s elections.
Moldova, bordering Ukraine, has become a crucial location in the struggle between Moscow and the West. The U.S. and its allies in June this year accused Russia of plotting to influence the outcome of next month’s presidential election in Moldova.
Blinken stated that it is almost certain that RT will coordinate with Russian intelligence agencies to manipulate the vote. As a result, the State Department imposed sanctions on three Russian entities and two individuals involved in “malicious influence activities” related to Moldova.
The State Department also revealed that RT operated several platforms covertly to conceal their roles in these influence activities, including the websites African Stream and the Berlin-based English platform Red.
Additionally, the State Department pointed out that RT hired a journalist based in Paris to conduct influence activities targeting French speakers, but did not disclose the identity of this journalist.
The report highlighted that Russia has also been engaged in actions aimed at undermining the Argentine government and exacerbating tensions with Argentina’s neighboring countries.
The U.S. State Department further indicated that RT has expanded its online operations and established a network division linked to Russian intelligence agencies last year.