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The US has rolled out new sanctions on Russia’s state-controlled media outlet RT, accusing it of secretly trying to influence global audiences and working as an arm of the Russian government.

What’s the deal: In an announcement by the State Department, the United States imposed new sanctions on Russia’s state media outlet RT, accusing it of engaging in covert influence and intelligence operations globally, as well as facilitating weapons procurement for the Russian military. In addition, Russian state-funded media outlets Rossiya Segodnya and TV-Novosti were sanctioned for interfering with foreign elections, particularly the upcoming 2024 Moldovan presidential election.  

Weapons procurement?: The US claims that RT played a direct role in the procurement of weapons and military equipment for Russian forces, according to US officials. Through an online crowdfunding platform, RT allegedly facilitated the purchase of a range of military supplies, including sniper rifles, body armor, drones, night-vision equipment, and communication devices, for use by Russian military units in Ukraine. These items were reportedly sourced from China and shipped in small quantities to evade scrutiny.

Cyber operations: The US accused RT of expanding beyond its role as a media outlet to engage in covert cyber operations. According to US officials, RT has embedded a cyber operations unit within its structure with ties to Russian intelligence and is conducting global influence and intelligence operations.

Individuals sanctioned: Ano Evraziya and its leader, Nelli Alekseyevna Parutenko, were also sanctioned for moving funds into Moldova to support pro-Kremlin candidates through vote-buying. Dmitry Kiselev, Director General of Rossiya Segodnya, was also sanctioned for leading election interference and malign influence efforts.  

Russia responds: In a statement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, “Yesterday, Russian journalists became victims of the aggression from the United States of America. They were subjected to a real terrorist and information attack both as a corporation and as individuals. We cannot remain silent. What is happening now to Russian journalists and media organizations… could happen to each and one of you.”