The State Department announced that the Rossiya Segodnya media group, along with its related entities, will be required to report details about personnel and real estate operating within the United States. The disclosure obligation extends to affiliated outlets such as RIA Novosti, TV-Novosti, Ruptly, and Sputnik, reflecting the department’s decision to treat these outlets as foreign missions due to direct direction from the Russian government, as explained by spokesperson Matthew Miller. (Source: U.S. Department of State)
According to Miller, the Foreign Mission Act mandates a clear line of accountability, requiring these organizations to furnish comprehensive information about their people and properties that function on American soil. The move underscores a broader effort to increase transparency around entities tied to a foreign government and to monitor activities within U.S. borders. (Source: U.S. Department of State)
The administration noted that it would not disclose the identities of individuals affected by visa restrictions tied to sanctions on Russia Today and RIA Novosti. The decision aligns with policies designed to safeguard national security while balancing considerations of information control and privacy. (Source: U.S. Department of State)
Separately, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned RT and its editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, on September 4, signaling that enforcement actions are continuing under the Foreign Agents Registration Act and related regulatory regimes. The sanctions package includes legal steps filed by U.S. authorities to address alleged violations, emphasizing ongoing scrutiny of media operations with foreign government ties. (Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury)
Reports from CNN noted that the Biden administration is preparing measures to address what it characterizes as disinformation associated with RT. Officials reportedly view RT as a prominent conduit for disinformation and are considering additional actions to limit its influence and operational reach within the United States. (Source: CNN reporting, corroborated by U.S. officials)
The Russian side has responded to the sanctions through public statements by Margarita Simonyan, who has criticized U.S. policy actions. The exchanges highlight the continuing friction between Washington and Moscow over media governance, national security concerns, and the boundaries of foreign influence in domestic communications. (Source: Public statements from RT and its representatives)