The United States Department of State has accused Russian state media of playing a central role in covert influence activities aimed at undermining U.S. elections and democracy. At a press conference on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken stated that Russian state-funded RT (formerly known as Russia Today) had evolved beyond being a mere media outlet and was now functioning as an entity with cyber capabilities.

Blinken highlighted that RT has become closely integrated with Russia's global intelligence operations. The U.S. has launched a diplomatic campaign to warn other countries of the potential risks posed by RT’s activities, revealing declassified intelligence that supports these claims.

"We have concluded that Rossiya Segodnya and its five subsidiaries are no longer just platforms for Russian government propaganda and disinformation. They are involved in covert influence activities designed to undermine U.S. elections and democracy, effectively operating as an extension of Russia’s intelligence apparatus," Blinken said.

RT's Role in Crowdfunding for Russian Forces
Blinken further accused RT of managing an online crowdfunding campaign aimed at providing military supplies to Russian forces in Ukraine. He said the campaign provided Russian combat units with items such as sniper rifles, body armor, night vision gear, drones, and other military equipment.

The U.S. also accused Kremlin-backed media of interfering in the internal affairs of countries worldwide. Blinken pointed out that RT had used Russian state-funded media platforms to stir unrest in Moldova, with the intention of inciting protests and potentially influencing Moldova’s upcoming elections in October 2024.

U.S. Response to Russia's Influence Efforts
The U.S. announcement of these new sanctions comes amid long-standing tensions with Russia, primarily due to its invasion of Ukraine. Since the conflict erupted in 2022, the Biden administration has imposed numerous sanctions on Russian individuals and organizations, aiming to curtail Moscow's efforts to destabilize democratic processes globally.

On September 5, 2024, the U.S. Justice Department announced additional measures aimed at combating Russian interference in the upcoming November elections. These include criminal charges against two RT employees allegedly involved in a Moscow-directed influence operation.

The U.S. continues to view RT’s activities as part of a larger Russian effort to interfere in foreign elections and democracies, asserting that RT operates as a de facto arm of Russia’s intelligence services.

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