US accuses Russian media outlet RT of interfering in presidential elections

(Patria) - The United States yesterday indicted two officials of Russia's RT and imposed sanctions on the chief editors of the state-funded media outlet, accusing them of seeking to influence the 2024 US presidential elections.

Among the 10 individuals and two entities sanctioned by the Treasury Department are RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonovna Simonian and her deputy Elizaveta Yurievna Brodskaya, RSE reports.

- Today's action underscores the US government's ongoing efforts to hold state-sponsored actors accountable for activities aimed at undermining public confidence in our institutions - said US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

Attorney General Merrick Garland, who chaired a meeting of the Election Threats Task Force, said two RT employees based in Russia have been indicted in New York for money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

- They are accused of funding a Tennessee-based company to spread content considered favorable to the Russian government - Garland said.

He added that the accused contracted US-based social media influencers to share content in line with Russia's interest in exacerbating American domestic divisions.

RT, in a reaction on its Telegram channel, rejected the US accusations, calling them tired clichés.

Garland said the Justice Department has separately seized 32 internet domains that the Russian government used to engage in a covert campaign to interfere with and influence the outcome of elections in our country.

He said members of President Vladimir Putin's inner circle directed Russian public relations companies to promote disinformation and state-sponsored narratives as part of a program to influence the 2024 US presidential elections.

The United States has accused Russia of attempting to influence US elections since the contest between Republican Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016.

The Treasury Department stated that Simonian, RT's editor-in-chief, is a central figure in the Russian government's efforts to influence malicious influence.

- Her deputy Brodskaya reported to Russian President Putin and other government officials - it is stated.

After the 2020 vote, US intelligence officials accused Putin of approving influence operations aimed at affecting the vote in favor of Donald Trump.

US officials have repeatedly warned of efforts by foreign powers, including Russia, to interfere in the US presidential elections in November.