US Imposes Sanctions on Russian Media Outlet RT

The U.S. has implemented new sanctions against the Russian state media outlet RT, accusing it of engaging in covert influence operations and cyber intelligence activities aimed at undermining democracies globally. Secretary of State Antony Blinken labeled RT a 'de facto arm of Russia's intelligence apparatus' and indicated that these sanctions target RT and associated organizations, including Rossiya Segodnya and its CEO Dmitry Kiselev, due to their involvement in information operations and military procurement. The sanctions come amidst allegations that RT has attempted to influence the upcoming presidential elections in Moldova and has also been indicted for interfering in the U.S. elections. In response, RT dismissed the accusations as conspiracy theories and criticized the sanctions. The U.S., alongside the UK and Canada, is initiating a diplomatic campaign to address the threat posed by Russian disinformation. Blinken emphasized the need for international cooperation to counter these destabilizing efforts.