Russia warns of severe response to US sanctions on RT
- The US imposed sanctions on RT, targeting its top editors as part of an alleged information campaign ahead of the presidential elections.
- Two RT employees were indicted for attempting to influence the election through financial means and social media.
- Russia has warned of a severe response to these sanctions, indicating potential retaliatory measures against American media.
Following the announcement of US sanctions against RT, Russia has vowed to retaliate, warning that the response will be severe and shocking. The sanctions target key figures within the state-funded media network, including editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan and her deputy, Elizaveta Brodskaia. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized these actions as part of a broader information campaign aimed at influencing the upcoming US presidential elections in November. The US has indicted two RT employees, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, for allegedly attempting to sway the election by funneling $10 million to a company that disseminated content with hidden Russian government messaging. This move has been interpreted by Russian officials as a deliberate strategy to undermine their media presence and influence in the US. Maria Zakharova, the ministry spokeswoman, criticized the US government for resorting to such tactics, suggesting it reflects a decline in liberal democratic values. She indicated that any attempts to restrict the activities of Russian journalists in the US would lead to symmetrical or asymmetrical retaliatory measures against American media. The backdrop of these tensions includes ongoing concerns about foreign interference in US elections, with intelligence officials identifying Russia as a primary threat. The US Department of State has also designated several Russian media outlets as foreign missions, requiring them to register with the government and disclose their operations in the country, further escalating the conflict between the two nations.