Blinken denounces ‘covert’ activities by Russia’s RT media

WASHINGTON: Top US diplomat Antony Blinken on Friday accused Russian media outlet RT of being a “de facto arm of Russia’s intelligence apparatus.”

“We know that RT possess cyber capabilities and engaged in covert information influence operations and military procurement,” the secretary of state told reporters.

Earlier this month, US authorities announced a battery of measures including sanctions and potential prosecution targeting Russian media over alleged attempts to interfere in this year’s American elections.

The State Department at that time imposed visa restrictions affecting a media group that includes RT, Rossia Segodnia, as well as others of its affiliates.

On Friday, Washington emphasized that the group’s efforts at destabilization extend far beyond the United States.

It said the Russian government this spring “embedded within RT an entity with cyber operational capabilities and ties to Russian intelligence.”

It added: “This cyber entity has focused primarily on influence and intelligence operations all over the world.”