US Sanctions 10 Russians and 2 Entities for Interfering in 2024 Election
The United States government has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and two entities from Russia in response to efforts to influence the 2024 US presidential election. The US Department of Treasury announced these measures, targeting what the Biden administration describes as Russian attempts to manipulate US public opinion.
Sanctions and Charges
Attorney General Merrick Garland revealed charges against two employees of the Russian-backed media network RT. They are accused of money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The US alleges that Russian actors have used tools like AI deep fakes and disinformation to undermine confidence in US elections.
RT’s Covert Operations
Starting in early 2024, RT executives began covertly recruiting American influencers to support their campaign. They used a front company to hide their involvement. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the administration’s commitment to holding state-sponsored actors accountable.
Putin’s Involvement
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that the US believes Russian President Vladimir Putin was aware of these actions. The State Department announced new visa restrictions and designated six RT affiliates as foreign missions. They also offered a reward for information on foreign interference in US elections.
Doubts Revealed
Sanctions -: Sanctions are punishments or restrictions that one country puts on another country to stop them from doing something bad. It can include things like stopping trade or freezing money.
Entities -: Entities are organizations or companies. In this case, it means two Russian organizations that were involved in the bad actions.
Department of Treasury -: The Department of Treasury is a part of the US government that manages money and finances. They help decide on financial punishments like sanctions.
Attorney General -: The Attorney General is the main lawyer for the US government. Right now, his name is Merrick Garland. He helps make sure laws are followed.
AI deep fakes -: AI deep fakes are fake videos or images made using artificial intelligence (AI). They can make it look like someone said or did something they didn’t.
Disinformation -: Disinformation is false information spread on purpose to trick people. It’s like telling a lie to make people believe something that isn’t true.
Russian President Vladimir Putin -: Vladimir Putin is the leader of Russia. The US thinks he knew about the bad actions to influence the election.
State Department -: The State Department is a part of the US government that deals with other countries. They help with things like visas and international relations.
Visa restrictions -: Visa restrictions are rules that make it harder for people from certain countries to visit the US. It’s like saying some people can’t come to your house.
RT affiliates -: RT affiliates are smaller parts of a big Russian news organization called RT. The US is treating them like they are part of the Russian government.
Foreign missions -: Foreign missions are offices or groups from one country that work in another country. They help with things like diplomacy and international relations.