U.S. State Department Imposes New Sanctions on Russian State Media for Military Support in Ukraine
The U.S. State Department announced new sanctions on Russian state media on Friday, accusing the Kremlin-affiliated broadcaster RT of working closely with the Russian military. According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the sanctions respond to RT’s role in fundraising efforts for military supplies, including sniper rifles, body armor, and other combat equipment for soldiers involved in the conflict in Ukraine.
RT’s Deepened Role in Russian Warfare
RT, long targeted by Western governments for spreading Kremlin propaganda, now faces additional accusations of being deeply embedded in Russia’s military apparatus. Blinken described RT as a “key part of Russia’s war effort,” highlighting its shift from disinformation dissemination to directly supporting Moscow’s war in Ukraine. “RT wants its new covert intelligence capabilities, like its longstanding propaganda disinformation efforts, to remain hidden,” Blinken stated. He emphasized that transparency and truth are vital in countering the Russian government’s ongoing misinformation campaigns.
Disinformation Beyond Borders
U.S. officials allege that RT’s reach extends well beyond Russia’s borders, creating fake news sites across Europe, Africa, and South America to spread misinformation. These actions are part of a broader Russian intelligence operation that has expanded to include cyber operations through a newly formed unit with close ties to Russian intelligence agencies, posing a global threat.
RT’s involvement in crowd-sourcing military supplies via Russian social media platforms was also emphasized. The effort reportedly raised funds for military-grade items such as night-vision equipment, drones, radios, and generators, some of which were procured from China. However, there is no direct evidence linking RT to these fundraising efforts or indicating that Chinese officials were aware their products were reaching Russia.
Sanctions on Russian State Media Leaders
The latest sanctions target RT’s parent company, TV-Novosti, the state media conglomerate Rossiya Segodnya, and its head, Dmitry Kiselyov. Additionally, Nelli Parutenko, another media figure, was sanctioned for allegedly orchestrating a vote-buying scheme in Moldova, aimed at promoting pro-Russian candidates in an upcoming election. This move further isolates Moscow’s influence operations, particularly as key political events unfold globally.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, dismissed the new sanctions, pointing out that RT had already been sanctioned. She remarked sarcastically on her Telegram channel, “I think a new profession should appear in the United States — a specialist in sanctions already imposed against Russia.”
Propaganda Campaign Intensifies Ahead of U.S. Elections
As tensions between Russia and the West intensify, Moscow’s propaganda efforts are receiving heightened scrutiny, particularly as the U.S. prepares for upcoming elections. Last week, the Biden administration seized Kremlin-operated websites and filed charges against two RT employees accused of covertly funneling nearly $10 million to a Tennessee-based company. The funds were allegedly used to pay far-right influencers whose content often echoed Russian talking points.
U.S. intelligence officials have warned that Russia is actively using unsuspecting Americans to propagate its disinformation, especially on platforms popular with U.S. audiences. Officials say these efforts are part of a broader Russian strategy to sow division and weaken support for Ukraine while keeping the public misinformed.
Political Implications in the U.S.
Russia’s influence operations seem aligned with bolstering support for former President Donald Trump, who has expressed skepticism toward Ukraine and NATO while praising Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin’s disinformation campaign, targeting U.S. elections, aims to create discord and manipulate public opinion, potentially affecting the political landscape as the U.S. heads toward a major election cycle.
By targeting state-backed media like RT, the U.S. government seeks to curb the influence of Russian propaganda and disrupt its support for the war effort in Ukraine. However, the global reach and adaptability of these operations suggest that the challenge is far from over.