Russia proposes designating many foreign media as ‘agents’

MOSCOW — Russian lawmakers on Tuesday proposed legislation that could designate nearly all foreign media in the country as “foreign agents,” a move to retaliate for a U.S. requirement aimed at Russia’s state-funded RT television station.

The legislation, which lawmakers are expected to approve Wednesday, represents a significant expansion in a tit-for-tat targeting of foreign media following allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Under the new measures, the Russian Justice Ministry could require any media organizations in the country that receive foreign funding, to join a registry, issue special disclaimers on articles and submit financial reports under penalty of fines or a possible ban on operations.