The United States government imposed sanctions on Russian media network RT after accusing the state-funded outlet of carrying out covert intelligence activities around the world to advance Kremlin interests. Among the countries allegedly targeted is Argentina: according to the Biden administration, RT is attempting to “destabilize” President Javier Milei’s government.

“The Russian Government is also engaged in operations meant to destabilize the government of Argentina and escalate tensions between Argentina and its neighbors,” said a release by the State Department on Friday. However, it did not provide any concrete examples of how these alleged destabilization efforts were being conducted.

Milei has been vocal about his support for Ukraine. In June, he participated in the Global Summit for Peace and offered the country “full support” in its war against Russia. He has also expressed disdain for Vladimir Putin’s government: before becoming president, Milei had said he would not be partnering in business with “any communist countries,” including Russia. His government also declined entering the trading bloc BRICS Russia is a part of, an effort that had been spearheaded by the prior administration.

In its briefing, the State Department said that RT was no longer just a media outlet, calling it “an entity with cyber capabilities.” It accused it of a series of “malign activities,” such as “engaging in information operations, covert influence, and military procurement in Europe, Africa, and North and South America.” This includes interfering in foreign elections and launching a crowdfunding campaign to procure weapons for Russia’s war against Ukraine.

According to the statement, these RT-managed influence and intelligence operations began in the Spring of 2023 by direct orders of the Kremlin. It also said RT head Margarita Simonyan and RT Deputy Editor-in-Chief Anton Anisimov have direct knowledge of this enterprise.

The State Department explained that the U.S. government was “actively engaged in a diplomatic effort” to inform other governments about these “destabilizing actions abroad”, and encouraged them to “take action” against them.

The United Kingdom and Canada also made similar claims about RT’s alleged covert activities on Friday.

Last week, the U.S. also filed money-laundering charges against two employees of RT for allegedly using shell companies and fake personas to hire a Tennessee company in order to produce online content aimed at influencing the 2024 U.S. presidential election, purportedly in favor of Republican candidate Donald Trump. It also announced actions targeting RT, including Simonyan.

This is a new chapter in the U.S. and Russia’s strained relationship. Joe Biden’s administration has issued several sanctions against Russian individuals and companies since the war against Ukraine began in 2022.

On Saturday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in her opening remarks at the BRICS media summit in Moscow that RT journalists are being “subjected to a real terrorist and information attack” from the U.S. based on “monstrous and baseless” accusations. She warned member countries that the same could happen to them.