who was sanctioned by the US last week<\/a> said they were excellent teachers, adding that many RT staff had studied in the US, and with US funding.<\/p>\nThe State Department accused the state broadcaster, formerly Russia Today, of engaging in “information operations, covert influence, and military procurement” in countries in Europe, Africa, and North and South America.<\/p>\n
Mr Blinken also accused RT of running online fundraisers to purchase body armour, sniper rifles, drones and other equipment for Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine.<\/p>\n
The network, he said, has also sought to influence Moldova’s politics in coordination with Russian intelligence ahead of presidential elections in October 2024.<\/p>\n
The US had already indicted two RT employees for allegedly attempting to interfere in this year’s presidential election, but US officials said on Friday the state broadcaster played a bigger role in Russia’s efforts to undermine democracies. <\/p>\n
The state-funded media organisation responded at the time by mocking the US government’s accusations, saying in a statement to the BBC that “2016 called and it wants its clich\u00e9s back”.<\/p>\n
“Three things are certain in life: death, taxes and RT’s interference in the US elections.”<\/p>\n
Mr Blinken said in a press conference: “Our most powerful antidote to Russia’s lies is the truth. It’s shining a bright light on what the Kremlin is trying to do under the cover of darkness.”<\/p>\n
Mr Blinken emphasised that the sanctions were not related to the content of the outlet’s reporting, and he affirmed the US’s support for independent journalism.<\/p>\n
“Covert influence activities are not journalism,” he said.<\/p>\n
The announcement is part of a suite of actions the US government has taken against Russian state media as the 2024 election approaches. The State Department has also designated RT as a foreign mission.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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