**US Sanctions Groups Accused of Spreading Election Disinformation**
The US Treasury Department has sanctioned two groups accused of spreading disinformation to influence American voters before the 2024 election. The sanctions were announced on December 31.
According to officials, the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise and the Iranian group Cognitive Design Production Center have been using fake news stories, videos, and social media posts to manipulate voters and erode confidence in US elections. The groups are accused of creating deepfake videos and paying U.S. companies to host pro-Russian content.
The Treasury Department said that these groups sought to deepen divisions among Americans ahead of the election. US intelligence agencies have identified both Iran and Russia as responsible for spreading disinformation, including hacking into the accounts of high-profile current and former US officials.
**US Stands with Ukraine**
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the country has secured 11 prisoner exchanges over the past year, securing the return of 356 people. He also praised the United States for its support, saying “we believe that the US will stand together with us as we fight to stop Russia’s full-scale invasion.”
Ukraine’s economy minister, Yuliia Svyrydenko, announced that Ukraine’s exports grew by over 13% in the past year, primarily due to stabilizing the functioning of Ukrainian seaports.
**Russia and China**
In a statement on December 31, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that China and Russia consistently advance together on a “path of non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party.” This comes as NATO allies met to address security concerns in the Baltic Sea following damage to undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland.
**Other Developments**
An oil depot in Russia caught fire after a drone attack overnight on December 31. Ukraine will quadruple gas transit tariffs for its domestic customers starting January 1, and has dismissed two governors who are expected to be appointed to new positions soon.
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