Sanctions announced on Friday are an effort to undercut RT by making it difficult for the network to conduct global business in dollars.

The State Department accuses RT, the Russian media outlet, of running intelligence operations and procuring weapons for the war in Ukraine.

Blinken told reporters at the State Department that Russian media entities were "functioning like a de facto arm of Russia's intelligence apparatus." RT had moved beyond being a m

State Department officials say RT coordinating with Kremlin to foment unrest and violence, procure weapons for Russian troops in Ukraine

"(RT) 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,