By Edna-UCLIQ
US CHARGES RUSSIAN MEDIA EXECUTIVES, SANCTIONS KREMLIN-LINKED BROADCASTERS OVER ELECTION INTERFERENCE
The US has charged Russian state media executives and sanctioned Kremlin-linked broadcasters. The justice, state, and treasury departments announced these measures to counter alleged election interference.
Attorney General Merrick Garland accused RT, formerly Russia Today, of a covert campaign. “RT paid a Tennessee firm $10 million to spread Russian messaging,” he said. Margarita Simonyan, RT’s boss, is among those sanctioned. RT denies any wrongdoing.
Garland added that Moscow aimed to influence the race between Trump and Harris. National security spokesman John Kirby explained Russia’s broader agenda. “Their program targets reducing international support for Ukraine and boosting pro-Russian policies,” Kirby said. “It also aims to influence US voters.”
A Treasury official outlined RT’s actions. “They engaged in a nefarious campaign to recruit American influencers,” he said. The Biden administration’s response includes several measures:
– Charging two Moscow-based RT managers, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva.
– Sanctioning RT and ten individuals, including Simonyan, for undermining public trust.
– Restricting visas for Kremlin media employees.
– Seizing 32 domains used for spreading false narratives on social media.
– Designating Rossiya Segodnya and its subsidiaries as “foreign missions”.
– Offering a $10 million reward for information on hackers linked to RaHDit.
Kirby emphasized RT’s role. “It’s more than a propaganda arm,” he said. “It’s advancing covert Russian influence.”
RT mocked the US accusations, calling them outdated. “Three things are certain: death, taxes, and RT’s interference,” they said.
The indictments of Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva did not name the Tennessee firm. However, the description matches Tenet Media. Tenet posts videos on social media and features right-wing commentators. The company has been contacted for comment.
US officials warn of growing foreign interference. In June, Iranian hackers breached Trump’s campaign. The DOJ later seized domains and social media accounts used for disinformation. Researchers found a Chinese influence operation on social media.
Xi Jinping promised no election interference during a summit with Biden. Jen Easterly of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned of ongoing foreign efforts. “We must not let adversaries succeed,” she said.
Eight years ago, Russia’s hacking of the DNC aimed to hurt Clinton’s campaign. Many believe it helped Trump’s victory. In 2018, twelve Russian military intelligence officers were charged. Federal warrants were issued for their arrest.
