Russian Commentators Mock US Election Meddling Allegations Amid RT Controversy

Russian commentators, including President Putin, mocked US allegations of election meddling. The US Justice Department accused Russian broadcaster RT of influencing the American public, targeting former President Trump. Despite sanctions and website seizures, the Kremlin denies interference, with plans to retaliate against US media in Russia.

Russian commentators, including President Vladimir Putin, mocked new US allegations that Moscow is interfering in the upcoming presidential election. On Wednesday, the US Justice Department accused Russian state-owned broadcaster RT of running a covert influence campaign targeting American voters, particularly to benefit former President Donald Trump.

The Justice Department charged two RT employees, sanctioned 10 individuals and two entities, and seized Kremlin-affiliated websites. Although the DOJ did not specify the candidate favored by the disinformation campaign, internal strategy documents revealed an intent to boost Trump, even though names were redacted.

The Kremlin dismissed the allegations as unfounded, echoing previous denials since 2016. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova promised retaliatory actions against US media in Russia. Commentary from RT's head, Margarita Simonyan, ridiculed US claims, despite her acknowledgment of RT's involvement in "information wars" on a Russian talk show.

(With inputs from agencies.)