September 17, 2024 at 04:32PM
RT News, based in the US, is accused by the Biden administration of being a Kremlin-backed propaganda machine. They charged two Russian nationals with funding the media company for election meddling. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned about RT’s espionage participation and equipment fundraising, with similar tactics being used around the world to spread disinformation and undermine democracies.
Based on the meeting notes, it is clear that RT News, based in the US, has been involved in nefarious activities beyond being a Kremlin-backed propaganda machine, as previously believed. The Biden administration recently charged two Russian nationals with channeling $10 million into RT International, which the US claims was used by the Russian government to interfere in US elections.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that RT included an embedded Russian cyber unit, operating since the spring of 2023 with the knowledge of RT leadership, functioning as a de facto arm of Russia’s intelligence apparatus. Additionally, the RT leadership team has been accused of running a large crowdfunding campaign to procure equipment for Russian soldiers fighting against Ukraine.
Blinken warned that this type of Russian interference and disinformation operations are replicated around the world, with similar tactics being utilized in Africa, Germany, and Moldova. Similar influence outlets, such as the German outlet Red (formerly Redfish) and the social media-based news organization African Stream in Africa, are being used to spread disinformation and undermine democracies.
In response to these developments, Blinken emphasized the need for allies and partners to treat RT’s activities as they would other intelligence activities by Russia within their borders, highlighting the importance of countering Russia’s lies with the truth.