In a recent government meeting, officials revealed significant developments regarding the Russian state-funded media outlet RT and its covert operations. The discussions highlighted the embedding of a cyber operational unit within RT, which has direct ties to Russian intelligence. This unit, established in the spring of 2023, is primarily focused on conducting covert influence operations globally.

The information produced by this unit is funneled to various Russian entities, including intelligence services, media outlets, and mercenary groups. One notable initiative is a large online crowdfunding program that operates under the guise of RT, aimed at providing military support to Russian forces in Ukraine. This program reportedly facilitates the procurement of military equipment such as sniper rifles, body armor, and drones, while being administered by RT's leadership.

Additionally, officials disclosed how RT manipulates information dissemination in the United States by using unwitting American citizens to spread Kremlin-produced content. The meeting also shed light on RT's operations in Germany, where it runs the English-language platform RED, and the African Stream platform, which claims to represent African voices but is actually a vehicle for Kremlin propaganda.

The expanded capabilities of RT are seen as a means to enhance collaboration with traditional Russian intelligence services, raising concerns about their potential influence on democratic processes not only in the U.S. but also worldwide.