Earlier this month, U.S. prosecutors charged two RT employees with covert funding activities related to pro-Kremlin content production in the U.S., including funneling nearly $10 million to conservative influencers.

The U.S. State Department has indicated that RT has evolved from a media outlet into an entity capable of cyber operations and covert influence, enhancing its capabilities with support from the Kremlin.

This decision marks an escalation of measures that began in 2022, aimed at combating the spread of Russian disinformation following the invasion of Ukraine.

Meta has announced a ban on Russian state media networks RT and Rossiya Segodnya, citing their involvement in foreign interference activities.

U.S. officials have described RT as part of the Russian intelligence apparatus, accusing it of conducting covert information warfare globally, particularly on social media platforms.

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken have described RT's actions as exceeding those of a traditional media outlet, functioning instead as an extension of Russian intelligence services.

The State Department has accused RT of coordinating with the Kremlin to influence upcoming elections, particularly in Moldova, highlighting its role in destabilizing foreign governments.

In addition to the funding allegations, RT has been linked to military support for Russia's war effort in Ukraine, reportedly through crowdfunding campaigns on social media.

Margarita Simonyan, RT's editor-in-chief, has openly stated that the outlet operates under Kremlin orders, contradicting previous denials of Russian interference in U.S. elections.

In response to the U.S. sanctions, Russian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, have sarcastically suggested the creation of a new profession focused on sanctions against Russia.

The sanctions against Russian state media have garnered support from other nations, including the U.K., reflecting a broader international consensus on the issue.