US hits Russia with new sanctions, blames for 'covert influence activities’ by state media

The United States Department of State has hit Russian state media and RT with new sanctions, accusing it of playing a key role in carrying out `covert influence activities` aimed at undermining American elections and democracies. The State Department said it is starting a diplomatic campaign to alert nations about the risks associated with RT activities and disclosed declassified US intelligence findings suggesting RT is completely integrated with Russia`s intelligence operations worldwide.