USA: Russian Network RT Receives Direct Orders from the Kremlin

The United States claims that the Russian television network "RT" receives direct orders from the Kremlin and collaborates with the Russian military security system to disseminate misinformation globally, aimed at undermining democracy. On Friday, September 23, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Washington has obtained new evidence of RT's collaboration with four other media outlets that are part of the "Russia Today" media group, indicating that these media are engaged in spreading misinformation worldwide. The four media outlets include the news agencies Sputnik and RIA Novosti, and the two television networks Ruptly and Novosti Russia, but the recent U.S. statement has focused more on RT. The "Russia Today" press service had previously been sanctioned for its activities in spreading Kremlin propaganda and misinformation. Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice released a statement warning Americans about Russia's efforts to influence the upcoming presidential elections in November, focusing on this issue. An American intelligence official stated that Iran, Russia, and China are seeking to influence the 2024 elections. U.S. intelligence and security agencies have repeatedly warned about the actions of Russia, China, and Iran to influence the upcoming presidential elections and to exacerbate tensions and create divisions among voters. They say these countries are preparing cyberattacks to undermine voter confidence in the upcoming presidential elections in November, just two months away. The U.S. State Department and Treasury Department also issued warnings last week regarding the "Russia Today" press service and its subsidiaries, imposing sanctions against them. Blinken also told reporters that the U.S. State Department will launch a diplomatic campaign to share evidence regarding RT's capabilities in providing "misinformation" and is urging other countries to take action in this regard. According to him, the UK and Canada will also join this campaign to counter the "threat posed by RT and other Russian misinformation and covert influence operations" to the United States. The U.S. Secretary of State added that while each government will decide how to respond to Russia's actions in this regard, Washington expects every ally and partner to "treat RT's activities like other Russian intelligence activities within their borders." In addition to this diplomatic campaign, the U.S. announced new sanctions against three entities and two individuals for their involvement in Russia's global influence operations.