US Sanctions RT for 'Covert Intelligence Operations'

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 14 September 2024 04:14

Visits: 1357
(Rating 0.0/5 Stars) Total Votes: 0
0 0
Share via Social Media

US Sanctions RT for 'Covert Intelligence Operations'

WASHINGTON, United States (HORN OBSERVER) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced new sanctions targeting Russian media outlet RT, accusing it of acting as "a de facto arm of Russia's intelligence apparatus."

Share

RT, also known as Russia Today, is a Russian state-owned television channel.

WASHINGTON, United States (HORN OBSERVER) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced new sanctions targeting Russian media outlet RT, accusing it of acting as "a de facto arm of Russia's intelligence apparatus."

RT, also known as Russia Today, is a Russian state-owned television channel.

During a press conference on Friday, Blinken stated that RT is part of a broader network of Russian-backed media that seeks to "undermine democracy in the United States."

The US State Department accused RT, formerly known as Russia Today, of conducting "information operations, covert influence, and military procurement" across Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Blinken further alleged that the Russian government has embedded within RT a unit with cyber capabilities linked to Russian intelligence. RT live-streamed Blinken’s remarks on X (formerly Twitter), dismissing the accusations as the "US's latest conspiracy theory."

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova sarcastically suggested the creation of a new profession in the US: a specialist in sanctions against Russia.

RT’s editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, who was recently sanctioned by the US, also responded, noting that many RT staff had received education and funding from the US, remarking that the US had been "excellent teachers."

Blinken claimed that RT had organized online fundraisers to supply Russian soldiers in Ukraine with body armor, sniper rifles, drones, and other equipment.

He also alleged that RT aimed to sway Moldova's upcoming presidential elections, working closely with Russian intelligence.

Two RT employees had already been indicted for allegedly attempting to interfere in the US presidential election earlier this year. However, US officials revealed on Friday that RT played a larger role in Russia’s efforts to destabilize democracies worldwide.

In response, RT mocked the accusations, stating, "2016 called, and it wants its clichés back," adding that "death, taxes, and RT's interference in US elections" are life's certainties.

Blinken emphasized that the sanctions are not a response to RT’s journalistic content but rather to its covert influence activities, which he said are "not journalism."

The State Department has also designated RT as a foreign mission, signaling an escalation in the US government's actions against Russian state media ahead of the 2024 election.