State Department Sanctions Russia State Media Outlet Over Alleged Covert Influence

WASHINGTON—The U.S. State Department announced sanctions against media outlet RT (formerly Russia Today) and several affiliates on Sept. 13, citing accusations of global covert influence. Drawing on intel from RT employees, “We now know that RT moved beyond being simply a media outlet and has been an entity with cyber capabilities,” a statement from the State Department said. “As a part of RT’s expanded capabilities, in Spring 2023, the Russian government embedded within RT an entity with cyber operational capabilities and ties to Russian intelligence.” The department said that the media groups aim to influence elections and public opinion on several continents, including Africa, Europe, and North and South America....