Moscow issues potential sanctions warning towards Washington over RT matter
The United States has categorized RT as a "propaganda tool of the Russian intelligence services" and imposed penalties on the Russian government-owned media organization's controlling entity. In response, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, has issued a threat of retaliation. This warning could potentially be aimed at American journalists working in Russia.
Russia has strongly reprimanded the US sanctions on the state-owned Russian TV network RT and hinted at retaliatory measures. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry's official website, Maria Zakharova stated that the US government's actions will not be left unanswered.
There's speculation that this warning may be directed towards American journalists who are still active in Russia. Remember the arrest of US journalist Evan Gershkovich in March 2023, under accusations of espionage? Gershkovich, a correspondent for the well-known "Wall Street Journal," was detained for 16 months before being released as part of a swap deal. Gershkovich and the newspaper have consistently refuted the charges.
Zakharova accused the US of censorship and infringing on press freedom. With its actions against RT, the US has launched "a new wave of limitations on Russian media and journalists," she claimed.
Previously, the US levied severe allegations against RT, asserting that the media organization interfered "in the internal affairs of countries worldwide." New insights reveal that RT possesses cyber capabilities and is involved in covert information operations and influence campaigns, as well as working jointly with the Russian military. The channel operates as "a propaganda outlet for the Russian intelligence services," according to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Disinformation as a Tool
Russia is utilizing disinformation globally as a means "to destabilize and polarize free and open societies," asserted the US Secretary of State. He urged allied nations to treat RT's activities in their countries equally as they do Russian intelligence activities, and referenced a joint initiative with Britain and Canada.
Recently, the US imposed financial penalties on several RT officials, including RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan. The US authorities accuse them of employing artificial intelligence (AI) in disinformation campaigns that are "aimed at the US election campaign," among other things.
The Commission, likely referring to international bodies responsible for media regulation and freedom of speech, may consider the US allegations against RT and its impact on Russian journalists' rights. Despite Russia's denial, The Commission might issue a statement expressing concern about the potential for retaliation against American journalists in Russia.
