US Sanctions Russian Journalists Over Influence Campaign, Charges Two

On Wednesday, the US unveiled significant measures targeting Russian government-backed influence operations aimed at interfering in American affairs. The actions include imposing sanctions on 10 individuals and two entities, seizing 32 internet domain names linked to the operation, and filing charges against two employees of RT, the Russian state-run media previously known as Russia Today.

The sanctioned individuals include Margarita Simonova Simonyan, Editor-in-Chief of RT, Deputy Editors Elizaveta Yuryevna Brodskaia and Anton Sergeyvich Anisimov, and other key figures.

The two RT employees charged are Kostiantyn Kalashnikov, 31, and Elena Afanasyeva, 27. They allegedly used a Tennessee-based US company, funded by RT, to create and distribute content designed to spread misinformation. Both remain at large and face charges related to violating US laws on foreign agents and money laundering.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the seizure of 32 internet domains used by Russian government-backed actors for covert influence operations. “These domains were utilized to interfere in and influence the outcome of our country’s elections,” Garland said.

Garland also referenced a Kremlin document indicating that the influence campaign aimed to “secure Russia’s preferred outcome in the election” and spread propaganda to weaken international support for Ukraine, promote pro-Russian policies, and sway US voters.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized that the sanctions and other measures highlight the US government’s commitment to holding state-sponsored actors accountable for undermining public trust.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken added that the US is taking steps to counter Russia’s covert influence operations, including new visa restrictions and actions under the Foreign Missions Act against RT’s parent company, Rossiya Segodnya, and its subsidiaries. The Department of State also announced a Rewards for Justice offer to assist in the fight against such malign activities.