US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Announces Sanctions on Russian Media RT
The United States Department of State has imposed new sanctions on Russian state media RT, accusing it of engaging in covert influence activities aimed at undermining American elections and democracies. The State Department is launching a diplomatic campaign to alert nations about the risks associated with RT’s activities.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “We took these steps based on our conclusion that Rossiya Segodnya and these five subsidiaries are no longer merely firehoses of Russian Government propaganda and disinformation; they are engaged in covert influence activities aimed at undermining American elections and democracies, functioning like a de facto arm of Russia’s intelligence apparatus.”
Blinken also alleged that RT leaders oversaw an online crowdfunding project to provide military gear to Russian forces fighting in Ukraine. The equipment included sniper rifles, suppressors, body armor, night vision equipment, drones, radio equipment, personal weapon sights, and diesel generators.
According to Blinken, new information from RT employees revealed that RT possessed cyber capabilities and engaged in covert information and influence operations and military procurement. The announcement is part of a larger US government initiative to reduce RT’s influence globally.
Blinken added, “We’re taking steps to hold accountable those who weaponize disinformation to undermine our democracy. That’s what we did just last week when the State Department, the Justice Department, the Treasury Department, and the FBI took a series of coordinated actions to counter Russian influence and interference in our elections and in our democracy.”
In addition to sanctions, visa restrictions, and other measures, the State Department designated Rossiya Segodnya and five of its subsidiaries, including RT, under the Foreign Missions Act. These entities must now notify the State Department of all personnel working in the United States and their property.
Notably, the sanctions announcement follows federal prosecutors’ declaration that two RT staff members face criminal charges for transferring about USD 10 million to a US business to produce and promote programming favoring Russian interests.
Doubts Revealed
US Secretary of State -: The US Secretary of State is a high-ranking official in the United States government who deals with foreign countries and international relations. Right now, this person is Antony Blinken.
Antony Blinken -: Antony Blinken is the current US Secretary of State. He helps the US President with foreign policies and international matters.
Sanctions -: Sanctions are penalties or restrictions that one country puts on another to try to change their behavior. It can include things like stopping trade or freezing assets.
Russian Media RT -: RT, or Russia Today, is a news channel funded by the Russian government. It broadcasts news and other programs around the world.
Undermining Elections -: Undermining elections means trying to make elections unfair or dishonest. This can include spreading false information or hacking into voting systems.
US Department of State -: The US Department of State is a part of the US government that handles the country’s relationships with other countries. They work on things like peace treaties and international trade.
Covert Influence Activities -: Covert influence activities are secret actions taken to change people’s opinions or actions without them knowing. This can include spreading false news or using spies.
Intelligence Operations -: Intelligence operations are secret missions carried out by a country’s spy agencies to gather information or influence events in other countries.
Military Procurement -: Military procurement is the process of buying weapons, equipment, and supplies for a country’s armed forces.
Disinformation -: Disinformation is false information spread on purpose to mislead people. It can be used to confuse or trick others.
Interference in Democracy -: Interference in democracy means trying to disrupt or control the way a democratic country runs its elections and government. This can include hacking, spreading false news, or other secret activities.
