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Biden Administration Unveils New Evidence of RT’s Role in Russian Intelligence Operations Worldwide

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The Biden administration on Friday launched a major diplomatic campaign to curb the global influence of RT (formerly Russia Today), revealing new declassified US intelligence that shows RT’s deep integration with Russian intelligence operations. The US State Department’s findings suggest RT has been engaging in covert influence activities, including cyber operations, military procurement, and disinformation campaigns. The administration aims to provide countries with information about the risks associated with RT’s activities, making it more difficult for the network to operate globally.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that RT possesses cyber capabilities and engages in covert operations, with a specific intelligence unit embedded within RT for over a year, tasked with global influence efforts. These findings show RT’s activities extend beyond propaganda, playing a crucial role in Russia’s broader intelligence and military objectives.

In addition, RT leaders allegedly facilitated a crowdfunding campaign to provide military equipment, such as sniper rifles and drones, to Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The US believes these operations not only spread disinformation but also undermine democratic processes in countries worldwide.

The US diplomatic push follows last week’s federal charges against RT employees involved in covertly funding a US company to produce content aimed at swaying American public opinion ahead of the 2024 elections.

 

Russia Develops Kamikaze Drone Using Chinese Engine for Ukraine War

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Russia has developed a new long-range kamikaze drone named Garpiya-A1, utilizing Chinese-made engines and components. According to European intelligence sources and documents reviewed by Reuters, the drone has been deployed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The production of over 2,500 Garpiyas from July 2023 to July 2024 marks a shift away from Russia’s previous reliance on Iranian drone designs. The drones have been used to target military and civilian infrastructure, causing significant damage and casualties.

The drone is produced by IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Almaz-Antey, Russia’s state-owned weapons manufacturer, using Chinese engines supplied by Xiamen Limbach. The engine, originally of German design, is now manufactured in China. A former cement factory in Izhevsk, Russia, is being used as the primary production facility, with the plant reportedly churning out thousands of drones in recent months.

China’s Role and International Concerns

The Garpiya-A1 bears similarities to Iran’s Shahed-136 drone but features distinct design elements like bolt-on fins and Chinese-made Limbach L-550 E engines. Although China has officially denied involvement in supporting Russia’s military activities, the export of components with potential military applications, including drones, has drawn international scrutiny. U.S. and European authorities are particularly concerned about Chinese companies continuing to supply critical parts that enable Russia to manufacture these kamikaze drones.

In July 2023, Beijing announced stricter regulations on drone exports, effective from September, while maintaining that its trade with Russia is not restricted under international law. However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Western officials have urged China to halt its indirect support of Russia’s military efforts, warning that Chinese technology has prolonged the conflict.

Production and Deployment

Production of the Garpiya-A1 began in early 2023, with Kupol securing a contract worth over 1 billion rubles (€10 million) to set up the factory. Initial prototypes were tested in early 2023, with output reaching 2,000 drones in the first half of 2024. Intelligence sources identified several Chinese suppliers, including Juhang Aviation Technology and Redlepus Vector Industries, both based in Shenzhen, for providing essential parts. Juhang has been under British and U.S. sanctions for supplying drone equipment to Russia.

Customs records show that Russia imported over $36 million worth of drone-related components from Chinese suppliers between April 2022 and December 2023, fueling concerns that these imports were marked for civilian use but repurposed for military applications.

Western Reactions and Sanctions

Washington has imposed several sanctions aimed at curbing Moscow’s access to technology for military use, warning Beijing of potential consequences for continuing to support Russia’s defense sector. Despite the sanctions, the Garpiya-A1 drone is the latest example of how Russia has managed to maintain drone production using external support, raising concerns over global arms control.

With a take-off weight under 300 kilos and a range of 1,500 kilometers, the Garpiya-A1 matches the capabilities of Iran’s Shahed-136, a drone that Russia has used extensively in Ukraine. The ability to produce such drones domestically marks a significant advancement in Russia’s drone capabilities, posing new challenges for Ukraine’s defense forces.

 

Russian Ship Suspected of Transporting Iranian Missiles as Military Relations Deepen

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Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies shows the Russian cargo ship Port Olya 3, suspected of delivering Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia, docked at the Port Olya in Astrakhan on September 4. This comes after the vessel’s prior visit to Iran’s Amirabad port on August 29. The US Treasury has confirmed the ship’s involvement in transporting CRBMs (close-range ballistic missiles) from Iran to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine, imposing sanctions in response.

This alleged missile shipment marks a significant escalation in Iran’s military support for Russia, which has included supplying thousands of Shahed attack drones and building a drone factory in Russia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that the Russian military likely received Fateh-360 missiles from Iran, expected to be used in Ukraine within weeks. These missiles have a range of 120 kilometers and can carry a 150-kilogram payload, making them effective for targeting Ukrainian positions at long distances.

Despite Iran’s denial of providing ballistic missiles, US officials and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest that these missiles will likely target Ukrainian energy, military, and civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian officials summoned Iran’s charge d’affaires, warning of severe consequences if the reports prove true.

As the military partnership between Iran and Russia strengthens, it remains to be seen whether this escalation will push the US and European allies to loosen restrictions on Ukraine’s use of missiles against Russian targets.