Russian state broadcaster RT, which is regularly scrutinized by the US for alleged attempts for influencing the presidential elections, said that it will continue its activities in Western countries, despite the imposed sanctions and restrictions. Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT, shared that the media finds innovative ways to circumvent these restrictions, reports BTA.
The US recently took legal action against two RT employees, accusing them of participating in a money laundering scheme. According to the charges, the scheme involved hiring an American company to create online content in order to influence the upcoming presidential election in 2024. In addition to these measures, US authorities imposed sanctions on RT and Simonyan herself, designating her as a central figure in Russia's alleged attempts at malign influence.
Simonian reflected on the increased Western crackdown on RT that began after the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and deepened after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. According to her, these actions are aimed at preventing the media outlet from functions as a legitimate news organization.
Despite these serious obstacles, Simonyan emphasizes RT's determination to continue its activities, even through more unconventional methods.
„We stayed in these countries, we worked there and we will continue to do so – just not in a straight line anymore,” she says. Simonyan compares this to a “sophisticated gambling thrill”, expressing confidence that the media will find loopholes in the system to maintain its presence.
„They close the entrance for us, and we will enter through the window. If they close the window, we will go through the vents and find the weaknesses in the system of the United States of America”, concludes Simonyan, demonstrating RT's firm commitment to adapt and continue its work despite the sanctions.