Ads Federal District News carries a slogan that borders on propaganda, inviting readers to engage with RT, Russia’s state-aligned media network. Similar to confrontations seen in other regions, RT and related outlets have challenged political opponents across the continent. In Latin America, figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, while some former presidents and populist figures have interacted with Russian media ecosystems. RT and its partners cultivate a broad communication network that includes columnists, bloggers, and political figures who echo Kremlin narratives, with backing from Russian diplomatic missions.
Scenes of coordinated messaging from Moscow-backed media appear more constrained in the European Union and the United States, yet in Latin America Russia’s narratives continue to find fertile ground. The Spanish-speaking countries from Mexico to Argentina are described as a space where disinformation and interference campaigns can spread. A collaboration led by RT’s Spanish-language branches and the Sputnik agency has built a media ecosystem that includes opinion leaders and political actors who publicly support pro-Russian viewpoints. This ecosystem is said to shape regional perceptions of Russia and the war in Ukraine, sometimes aligning with policies that resist Western sanctions. Analysts note the challenge of neutral action or critique from many Latin American governments, framing Russia as a counterweight in regional debates.
The weight of RT and Sputnik in Latin America is reflected in audience and engagement metrics. A study by a Spanish researcher noted a large audience for Spanish-language RT content, with millions reached across platforms. Across social networks, RT and its affiliated accounts have maintained sizable followings, including audiences from Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, and Colombia. The reach of these networks is also visible in web traffic patterns, indicating broad regional interest.
Beyond audience numbers, the messaging concentrates on shaping perceptions about governance and democracy. Digital risk analysts report that posts about protests in countries aligned with Western interests often receive more attention, while actions by governments closer to the Kremlin attract less attention. The interaction between messaging and political decisions appears to be a two-way exchange, with governments in Latin America sometimes engaging with RT content, including collaborations that feed into programming choices and public communications. Scholars emphasize that such dynamics can influence how the Ukraine conflict is framed in regional debates and how Western involvement is perceived.
Experts discuss how this larger presence, combined with the sense that RT offers a different point of view, can influence debates about international policy and alliances. The perception of RT as a legitimate alternative information source may shape public opinion and political discourse, affecting how regional audiences interpret events in Ukraine and beyond. Observers caution that this fragmented media landscape can make it harder for audiences to distinguish between independent journalism and state-backed messaging, underscoring the importance of media literacy and critical consumption across the region.
Russian platform in Nicaragua, Central America
A year ago, RT’s Spanish director traveled to Managua to advance a program described as education for local communicators. The initiative has drawn attention from media analysts who argue that such collaborations can influence local news ecosystems, with propagandistic content mirroring Moscow’s talking points. Local commentators note similarities between propagandistic approaches in Nicaragua and those seen on Russian television, with figures echoing official narratives and presenting a selective view of events in Ukraine.
Nicaragua, viewed as a regional hub in Central America, has seen a consolidation of media influence that mirrors broader patterns. Observers point to the involvement of foreign-trained personnel and the presence of individuals who operate within or alongside local security and intelligence networks. The result is a media environment where narratives about Russia, Russia’s allies, and regional stability circulate with a degree of systemic support that heightens their visibility in public discourse.
Mexico is the preferred target of Russian intervention
RT maintains a large presence in Mexico, citing a substantial workload and a strategic location adjacent to the United States. In recent years, the Mexican government has adjusted its stance toward Russia, with reports noting increased diplomatic engagement and a larger number of personnel with diplomatic passports at the Russian embassy. Journalists have faced pressure and smear campaigns online, highlighting the risk of disinformation campaigns aimed at shaping public opinion during sensitive geopolitical moments. Observers emphasize that Mexico’s role as a populous, influential country makes it a focal point for Russian messaging in the region.
Media coverage in Mexico has at times described the Ukraine conflict using the Kremlin’s preferred terminology and framing. With RT’s influence spanning print and social media, a wave of support from regional audiences has emerged, alongside criticism from other quarters. The involvement of RT in Mexican media life has sparked debates about journalistic independence, transparency, and the potential impact on public understanding of international affairs.
Argentina, access to privileges that no one has managed to change
Argentina has hosted high-profile engagements involving RT, dating back to agreements that integrated RT into local programming. The expansion of the Russian channel’s signal across the country has prompted discussions about the implications for public broadcasting and media plurality. Experts note that the arrangement appeared to offer RT a broad footprint without obvious compensation, raising questions about equity and the balance of information in a diversified media market. Critics point to ongoing debates about how such arrangements affect the broader media landscape, while supporters argue they offer diverse viewpoints and international perspectives.
Discussions about leadership and policy in Argentina have included perspectives on whether agreements with RT should continue or evolve. The presence of RT in national media has sparked conversations about regional trade and cultural exchange, as well as potential effects on domestic political dynamics. Commentators underscore the need for transparent engagement with international broadcasters and for safeguarding editorial independence within a changing media ecosystem.