The US State Department has issued a factsheet alleging that RT, formerly known as Russia Today, conducted "destabilising actions" on a global scale. Among the countries affected, the document claims the network – which runs a Spanish-speaking version called "RT en Español" – is engaged in efforts to undermine President Javier Milei's government in Argentina and seeks to foment tensions with neighbouring nations.

"We now know that RT moved beyond being simply a media outlet and has been an entity with cyber capabilities. It is also engaged in information operations, covert influence, and military procurement. These operations are targeting countries around the world, including in Europe, Africa, and North and South America," the US Department stated.

While specific details regarding Argentina were not provided, the allegations are believed to be linked to Milei's unwavering support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The accusations come amid broader concerns about Russian influence operations globally.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described RT as a "de facto arm of Russia's intelligence apparatus", announcing new sanctions on the Kremlin-linked media group. "Russian weaponisation of disinformation to subvert and polarise free and open societies extends to every part of the world," Blinken said.

Among the locations purportedly impacted by Moscow's destabilisation efforts are France, Germany, Moldova, and parts of Africa, the Department said. It also claimed that RT was involved in a vast online crowdfunding programme to provide military equipment for Russian units in Ukraine, including sniper rifles, body armour, and drones.

The US, UK and Canada are jointly undertaking efforts to counter such influence operations, according to Blinken.

Milei, a self-described "anarcho-libertarian" who has exhibited strong support for the West citing strong ideological alignments with Washington, may gravitate further closer to the US and its allies should these allegations prove to be true.

In related news, Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc. announced on September 17 that it would ban several Russian state media networks from its platforms globally, pointing to deceptive tactics used for influence operations. The network's accounts have been inaccessible in the EU and UK since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The social media giant said the ban, which includes outlets such as Rossiya Segodnya and RT, would be implemented in the coming days due to "foreign interference activity".

Meanwhile earlier this month, the US Treasury and State Departments announced money-laundering charges against two RT employees, alleging their involvement in a sophisticated disinformation scheme that bankrolled US-based right-wing influencers ahead of the upcoming presidential election.