Secretary Antony J. Blinken addressed the press on September 13, 2024, emphasizing the importance of accurate information in a democracy and outlining measures to combat disinformation.
"Accurate information is vital to the health of any democracy," Blinken stated. He stressed that disinformation undermines the foundations of a free society and highlighted steps taken by the administration since March to address this threat.
The first step involves building a resilient global information system by promoting policies that protect an independent press and foster media literacy. The second step focuses on exposing, disrupting, and deterring disinformation through coordinated efforts led by the State Department's Global Engagement Center. The third step aims at holding accountable those who weaponize disinformation, exemplified by recent actions against Russian influence in U.S. elections.
Blinken detailed sanctions and measures against Rossiya Segodnya and its subsidiaries under the Foreign Missions Act due to their covert activities aimed at undermining American democracy. "Rossiya Segodnya and these five subsidiaries are no longer merely firehoses of Russian Government propaganda," he said.
Newly obtained information reveals RT’s involvement in cyber operations and military procurement, including support for Russian military units in Ukraine. These operations are hidden under RT's leadership but include direct coordination with Russian intelligence services.
RT also runs covert platforms like Red in Germany and African Stream across social media, which Blinken described as fronts for Kremlin propagandists. He noted RT’s efforts to influence Moldova’s upcoming election through similar tactics used globally.
In response to these findings, sanctions were imposed on three entities and two individuals involved in Russia's covert operations. Blinken announced a joint diplomatic campaign with the United Kingdom and Canada to counteract RT’s activities worldwide.
"We urge every ally, every partner to start by treating RT’s activities as they do other intelligence activities by Russia within their borders," Blinken urged.
He concluded with a message about freedom of expression: "The United States respects and champions freedom of expression... But we will not stand by as RT carries out covert activities."
Blinken also shared an uplifting note about meeting Evan Gershkovich after his release from wrongful detention in Russia, highlighting the ongoing commitment to securing freedom for all Americans held abroad.
"We’ve not forgotten you; we will not forget you; and we will not rest until we get you home where you belong," he pledged.
