Russia threatens US media after Trump tightens rules on RT

Tensions have risen steadily between the two countries since President Donald Trump took over

MOSCOW, RUSSIA: After American authorities started targeting Russian state broadcaster RT, US media is likely to suffer the repercussions from Russian authorities which will accelerate a downward spiral in ties between the two countries.

Government institutions, including the Prosecutor General’s office, are deciding to declare a number of US media outlets “undesirable,” which will put a ban on their activities and finances, the interfax news service reported on Friday.



However, the prosecutor’s office could not be reached for comment.

“Several of our media are facing unprecedented pressure” in countries including the US Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on a conference call Friday, citing RT and the Sputnik state-run news agency in particular. “In the event of further restrictions, further violations of the rights of our media, we of course can’t exclude reciprocal actions.”

Despite the US president’s promises of better relations, tensions have risen steadily between the two countries since Donald Trump took over. They have targeted each other diplomatically after America toughened sanctions on Russia for alleged election meddling.

CNN pressure

“We have found administrative violations at CNN International’s operating company in the country and have given it until October 11 to rectify them or face the suspension of its broadcasting license,”said Russian communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor.

“Roskomnadzor is monitoring 40 US media, as well as Internet outlets, which are not registered under Russian law,” said deputy chief Vadim Subbotin during a parliamentary hearing on Thursday, the Interfax news agency reported. “Believe me, Russia has enough legal mechanisms, and we also have a very flexible legislature, to take appropriate measures in case the situation on the US rises to a new level.”



“My country can take action against state or privately-owned US media, including denying accreditation to correspondents,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

Andrei Klimov, a Russian senator who heads a committee on defending Russia against external influence said that what they’re doing is strictly retaliatory measures which will be balanced and appropriately targeted.

This article originally appeared on Bloomberg