The US government is once again making serious allegations against the state Russian television channel RT and accuses him of interfering in “the sovereign affairs of countries around the world.”
Thanks to new information, we know that RT has cyber capabilities and is involved in covert information and influence operations and is working hand in hand with the Russian military, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
For example, the broadcaster is conducting covert operations to supply Russian forces with military equipment. Blinken announced further sanctions against the broadcaster.
USA: RT supports Russian military
According to the US State Department, the broadcaster operates as a “direct arm of the Russian government.” RT is not only responsible for spreading false information, but is “a full member of the Russian government’s intelligence service and operations in the war in Ukraine.”
© REUTERS/David Ruvic
One project is a large online crowdfunding program in Russia, being promoted on RT and through social media channels, to support Russian military units in Ukraine and supply them with military equipment and weapons, Blinken said.
As another example of the broadcaster’s influence, Blinken cited a secretly Berlin-based English-language platform called “Red” (theread.stream). Despite claims on the company’s website, Red is a successor to the now-defunct RT platform Redfish, which is operated by the Turkish-based public company AFA Medya, according to the US State Department.
The broadcaster also supports the Russian government’s efforts to To influence elections in the Republic of Moldova“RT’s leadership has used Russian state-funded and controlled media platforms to attempt to foment unrest in Moldova,” Blinken said.
USA already imposed sanctions last week
Last week, the US government accused Russia of interfering in the upcoming US presidential election in November. The US imposed sanctions on several individuals and organizations, including representatives of RT.
According to the US government, attempts to influence Moscow are being initiated from the very top. The inner circle around Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin has instructed Russian PR firms to “promote disinformation and state-sponsored narratives as part of a campaign to influence the 2024 US presidential election,” it said. (dpa)
