Russian state media exposed for covert military supply operation

The US State Department has accused RT, formerly known as Russia Today, of evolving from a state-backed propaganda outlet into a covert arm of Russian intelligence, orchestrating a clandestine military supply network for Russian forces in Ukraine.

According to a State Department briefing, RT has been using a prominent online crowdfunding platform, which it promotes through social media, to purchase and funnel military equipment to Russian units, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The equipment reportedly includes sniper rifles, suppressors, body armor, night vision gear, drones, and other tactical supplies. This operation is allegedly overseen by RT's deputy editor-in-chief and head of international broadcasting for Sputnik, Anton Anisimov, and has managed to evade detection by making small, inconspicuous orders.

New evidence also suggests that some of this equipment, particularly reconnaissance drones, is sourced from China-based entities. Additionally, RT is said to be coordinating with the Russian Ministry of Defense to facilitate production and distribution.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that US diplomats globally have been instructed to disseminate evidence about RT’s expanded role and its impact on international information ecosystems. He emphasized that RT has developed new cyber capabilities and operates a network of fake news websites, social media accounts, and online personas to influence global narratives. 

Since spring 2023, RT’s cyber unit, linked directly to Russian intelligence, has been involved in information operations targeting countries worldwide, with significant focus on Europe, Africa, and the Americas, including efforts to destabilize the Argentine government.

RT’s covert influence operations include platforms like “African Stream,” which has 460,000 YouTube subscribers, and “Red,” an English-language Berlin-based platform with over 80,000 followers on X. Additionally, RT has run campaigns to influence Moldova’s October election, allegedly working with Kremlin officials to sway results in favor of a pro-Russian candidate.

In response to the allegations, RT’s editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan posted a defiant message on Telegram, acknowledging the accusations with a brash statement: “American intelligence services have found out that we are helping the front. We are doing it openly, idiots.”

The revelations follow recent legal actions against RT, including a Justice Department indictment against senior employees for using shell companies and fake identities to fund pro-Russia content creation in the US.

Simonyan had already been sanctioned by the Treasury Department earlier in September and publicly boasted about RT’s covert operations on Russian state television over the weekend.