U.S. Allegations: Russian Broadcaster RT Engages in Secretive Activities
The American government has put forward some severe accusations against RT, the Russian state-controlled TV station. Besides spreading misinformation and meddling in international matters, RT is being charged with backing the military in the Ukraine conflict through a substantial online crowdfunding campaign.
As per the latest revelations, the U.S. government believes RT has hidden cyber capabilities and is an active player in clandestine information and manipulation operations, working closely with the Russian military, as stated by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The channel is claimed to be secretly equipping Russian military units with military resources. Blinken further announced new sanctions against the channel.
The U.S. State Department alleges that RT functions as a "direct appendage" of the Russian government. Beyond disseminating false information, RT is also considered a "full-fledged member" of the Russian government's intelligence services in the Ukraine conflict. A significant online crowdfunding initiative in Russia, promoted by RT through social media platforms, is one of the schemes mentioned by Blinken, aiming to fund Russian military units in Ukraine and arm them with military equipment and weapons.
Blinken also highlighted the channel's influence, specifically an English-language platform named "Red," which operates covertly from Berlin. The channel is contributing to the Russian government's maneuvers to manipulate elections in the Republic of Moldova, according to Blinken. "The RT leadership has utilized state-funded and guided media platforms to attempt to stir up chaos in the Republic of Moldova," he said.
Last week, the U.S. government accused Russia of attempting to interfere in the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November. The U.S. imposed sanctions on various individuals and organizations, including representatives of RT. The U.S. assessment indicates that influence operations in Moscow are commanded from the top echelons, with "Vladimir Putin's inner circle" issuing directives to Russian PR firms to "promote disinformation and state-sponsored narratives as part of an effort to influence the U.S. presidential elections in 2024."
The U.S. State Department strongly condemns RT's actions as a propagator of false information and a tool of the Russian government. Being labeled as a "direct appendage" of the Russian government, The Commission is expected to face increased scrutiny and potential further sanctions.
In light of Blinken's statements, The Commission is deemed complicit in funding Russian military units in Ukraine and engaging in covert information and manipulation operations.
