Washington — The U.S. State Division introduced new sanctions on Russian state media Friday, accusing a Kremlin information outlet of working hand-in-hand with the Russian army and working fundraising campaigns to pay for sniper rifles, physique armor and different tools for troopers combating in Ukraine.
Whereas the outlet, RT, has beforehand been sanctioned for its work to unfold Kremlin propaganda and disinformation, the allegations introduced Friday counsel its position goes far past affect operations. As a substitute, Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned, RT is a key a part of Russia’s battle machine and its efforts to undermine its democratic allies.
“RT desires its new covert intelligence capabilities, like its longstanding propaganda disinformation efforts, to stay hidden,” Blinken mentioned. “Our strongest antidote to Russia’s lies is the reality. It is shining a vibrant mild on what the Kremlin is making an attempt to do below the duvet of darkness.”
RT has additionally created web sites posing as reliable information websites to unfold disinformation and propaganda in Europe, Africa, South America and elsewhere, officers mentioned. They are saying the outlet has additionally expanded its use of cyber operations with a brand new unit with ties to Russian intelligence created final yr.
The group-sourcing effort sought to boost funds for Russian army provides, a few of which have been procured in China, officers mentioned. There have been no apparent connections between RT and the fundraising marketing campaign, or any indication that Chinese language officers knew their merchandise have been being offered to Russia.
RT’s actions present “it isn’t only a firehouse of disinformation, however a totally fledged member of the intelligence equipment and operation of the Russian authorities,” mentioned Jamie Rubin, who heads the State Division’s International Engagement Heart.
The sanctions introduced Friday goal RT’s dad or mum group, TV-Novosti, in addition to a associated state media group referred to as Rossiya Segodnya, in addition to Dmitry Kiselyov, Rossiya Segodnya’s normal director. A 3rd group and its chief, Nelli Parutenko, have been additionally sanctioned for allegedly working a vote-buying scheme in Moldova designed to assist Moscow’s most well-liked candidates in an upcoming election.
