Russian media sanctions/ U.S. sanctions RT/ Russian disinformation/ RT military funding/ U.S.-Russia tensions/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ The U.S. State Department imposed sanctions on Russian state media, accusing outlets like RT of raising funds to support Russian troops in Ukraine by procuring military gear. The sanctions highlight the role of Russian media in not only spreading propaganda but also aiding Moscow’s military efforts. Russia’s Foreign Ministry criticized the move as unnecessary, arguing that similar sanctions are already in place.
Russian Media Sanctions Quick Looks:
- RT Sanctioned: U.S. sanctions target Russian media outlet RT for fundraising military supplies for troops in Ukraine.
- Fundraising for Troops: RT used Russian social media platforms to raise funds for sniper rifles, drones, and other military equipment.
- Cyber and Disinformation Efforts: RT expanded its use of cyber operations and disinformation campaigns globally, especially in Europe and Africa.
- Biden Administration Actions: The Biden administration seized Kremlin-run websites and charged RT employees for covert payments to U.S. influencers.
- Russian Response: Russia’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the sanctions, saying RT had already been targeted.
U.S. Sanctions Russian State Media for Funding Troops in Ukraine
Deep Look:
The U.S. State Department announced new sanctions on Friday, September 13, 2024, targeting Russian state media for its alleged role in supporting Moscow’s military efforts in Ukraine. The latest sanctions accuse the Kremlin-backed outlet RT (formerly known as Russia Today) of helping raise funds to provide Russian soldiers with crucial equipment such as sniper rifles, body armor, night-vision equipment, and drones.
These sanctions represent a significant escalation in the U.S. efforts to combat not only Russia’s influence operations but also its direct involvement in financing and supporting its war against Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the dual nature of RT’s operations, describing the outlet as not just a source of propaganda but also an integral part of Russia’s war machine.
“RT wants its new covert intelligence capabilities, like its longstanding propaganda disinformation efforts, to remain hidden,” Blinken said during a press briefing. He stressed that the U.S. response was aimed at exposing Russia’s covert actions and shining light on its efforts to mislead the international community. Blinken emphasized that truth remains the most powerful tool in combating Russia’s lies and disinformation.
According to U.S. officials, RT’s recent activities went beyond mere propaganda and disinformation. The outlet had reportedly organized crowd-sourcing campaigns on Russian social media platforms, aiming to raise funds for military gear. These campaigns allegedly resulted in the procurement of various items, including sniper rifles, radios, drones, and generators, many of which were sourced from China. While officials noted that there was no direct evidence linking the Chinese government to the sale of these products, the move underscores the complexity of Russia’s supply chain for military hardware.
The sanctions announced by the U.S. target RT’s parent organization, TV-Novosti, along with another Russian state media group, Rossiya Segodnya, and its director Dmitry Kiselyov. A third organization and its leader, Nelli Parutenko, were also sanctioned for allegedly running a vote-buying scheme in Moldova to support pro-Russian candidates in the country’s elections. These new measures reflect broader concerns about Russia’s use of media and cyber operations to influence foreign elections and disrupt democratic processes.
In recent months, RT has reportedly expanded its operations, including launching websites that pose as legitimate news outlets to further spread disinformation in Europe, Africa, South America, and other regions. U.S. officials also revealed that RT had established a new cyber unit linked to Russian intelligence in 2023, a sign of the increasingly sophisticated nature of Russia’s influence operations. Jamie Rubin, head of the State Department’s Global Engagement Center, described RT as “not just a firehouse of disinformation but a fully fledged member of the intelligence apparatus of the Russian government.”
The sanctions mark the latest chapter in a long-running effort by the U.S. to clamp down on Russian influence operations. Earlier this year, the Biden administration seized websites operated by the Kremlin and charged two RT employees for covertly paying a Tennessee-based media company nearly $10 million to promote pro-Russian content. The company had, in turn, funneled money to prominent far-right influencers, some of whom were reportedly unaware that their work was being supported by Russia.
These actions come as U.S. intelligence officials have warned of Russia’s ongoing efforts to interfere in the upcoming 2024 U.S. elections. Officials say that Russia is using unwitting Americans to spread its propaganda by disguising it as homegrown content on popular websites. One key objective of these influence campaigns is to create political division within the U.S. and weaken public support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry responded sharply to the sanctions, with spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissing them as redundant. She mocked the U.S. for imposing more penalties on RT, stating, “I think a new profession should appear in the United States — a specialist in sanctions already imposed against Russia.” Zakharova’s remarks downplayed the potential impact of the new sanctions, arguing that RT had already been targeted with similar measures.
Amid increasing scrutiny of Russia’s global influence operations, these sanctions further escalate tensions between Washington and Moscow. With the U.S. election drawing near and Russia’s war in Ukraine ongoing, the stakes continue to rise in this battle over disinformation, military support, and geopolitical power.
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