The US State Department has announced fresh sanctions on Russian state media, particularly targeting the news outlet RT (formerly known as Russia Today). The sanctions come as allegations surface that RT has been working closely with the Russian military, engaging in fundraising campaigns to finance the procurement of sniper rifles, body armor, and other equipment for soldiers engaged in the conflict in Ukraine.

While RT had previously faced sanctions for its role in spreading Kremlin propaganda and disinformation, the latest accusations suggest a deeper involvement in support of Russia's war machine and its efforts to undermine democratic adversaries. According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, "RT wants its new covert intelligence capabilities, like its longstanding propaganda disinformation efforts, to remain hidden. Our most powerful antidote to Russia's lies is the truth. It's shining a bright light on what the Kremlin is trying to do under the cover of darkness."

In addition to its role as a propaganda disseminator, RT is said to have created fake news websites to spread disinformation and propaganda across Europe, Africa, South America, and other regions. Furthermore, officials claim that RT has recently expanded its cyber operations through a newly established unit with ties to Russian intelligence.

The fundraising efforts orchestrated by RT were carried out on Russian social media platforms, seeking public contributions to purchase military supplies. Some of the equipment was sourced from China, although there is no indication that Chinese officials were aware of their products being sold to Russia or any direct connection between RT and the fundraising campaign.

Jamie Rubin, who heads the State Department's Global Engagement Center, emphasized that RT is not merely a "firehouse of disinformation" but an integral part of the Russian government's intelligence apparatus and operations.

The sanctions announced on Friday target RT's parent organization, TV-Novosti, as well as Rossiya Segodnya, a related state media group, and its general director, Dmitry Kiselyov. Additionally, a third organization, along with its leader Nelli Parutenko, were sanctioned for allegedly running a vote-buying scheme in Moldova aimed at supporting Moscow's preferred candidates in an upcoming election.

In response to the sanctions against RT, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, remarked that they were redundant, as the outlet had already been subjected to prior sanctions. She sarcastically suggested the need for a specialist in US sanctions imposed on Russia.

The heightened scrutiny placed on Russia's global propaganda efforts comes in the run-up to the US elections. Recently, the Biden administration seized Kremlin-operated websites and charged two RT employees for covertly paying a Tennessee company around $10 million for content. This money was further distributed to several popular far-right influencers, unaware that their work was being financially supported by Russia.

Intelligence officials have also warned of Russia's use of unwitting Americans to disseminate propaganda, disguising it in English on websites popular with US audiences. The aim of these influence operations is believed to be the division of Americans and the reduction of support for Ukraine. Furthermore, Russia's propaganda efforts seem to align with former President Donald Trump's views, as he had been critical of Ukraine and the NATO alliance while publicly praising Russian President Vladimir Putin.