Biden Administration Targets Russian Election Interference

The Biden administration revealed measures to counter Russian influence in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Actions include criminal charges against Russian state media employees, sanctions, and website seizures. The efforts aim to disrupt disinformation campaigns intended to sow discord among American voters.

The Biden administration unveiled expansive measures on Wednesday to counter Russian influence in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Criminal charges were filed against two employees of a Russian state-run media outlet, and websites used for spreading Kremlin-backed disinformation were seized.

Besides indictments, the U.S. government imposed sanctions and visa restrictions, aiming to neutralize persistent threats from Russia. American officials have long warned that Moscow remains the primary danger to election integrity, even as investigations into other foreign interference, like a recent hack by Iran, continue.

Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the U.S. stance against foreign meddling in democratic processes. The Justice Department disclosed that RT, a Russian state media company, covertly financed a Tennessee-based content creation firm to produce videos that promoted Russian interests, including those related to the Ukraine war. These videos were widely viewed on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

(With inputs from agencies.)