**US Shuts Down Office Combating Russian Disinformation, Citing Concerns Over Free Speech**
The US State Department’s office responsible for countering foreign disinformation has been closed down, announced Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 16. The move comes amid concerns about free speech and the rights of American citizens.
The Global Engagement Center (GEC), which was previously known as the Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications, had been established to fight terrorist messaging online. However, its focus shifted in 2016 to countering lies and propaganda from foreign governments like Russia and China.
Rubio claimed that the center had overstepped its mission and worked to “silence and censor” Americans. He also stated that the GEC cost taxpayers more than $50 million per year, which is a significant expense.
**Criticism of the Center**
The closure of the GEC follows years of Republican criticism of the center. Billionaire Elon Musk, who is now an advisor to US President Donald Trump, had called the GEC “the worst offender in U.S. government censorship (and) media manipulation” in early 2023.
**Concerns Over Russian Disinformation**
However, leaders and defenders of the GEC have rejected such claims, stating that its mission was focused exclusively on foreign disinformation campaigns. Special Envoy James Rubin said that the center had run projects in Latin America, Africa, and Moldova during his time in the office.
One project aimed at countering a major Russian disinformation campaign in Africa, which sought to undermine trust in a US-funded health program in the region. Russia had recruited journalists, bloggers, and public figures to spread conspiracy theories across social media, websites, and Telegram channels.
**Global Efforts to Counter Disinformation**
Despite the closure of the GEC, there are ongoing efforts at the global level to counter disinformation. The European Union is considering sending “military advisors” to Ukraine to organize training for the Ukrainian military. India is also developing a new strategy to boost its defense exports and help countries like Ukraine.
**Key Takeaways**
The Kyiv Independent attended a press conference with captured Chinese prisoners of war on April 14, highlighting key takeaways from their service in the Russian military.
* Roughly 5,000 North Korean soldiers have already been killed or injured, but 6,000 remain in Russia’s Kursk Oblast and are likely to be used in new assaults.
* Russian forces have deployed Shahed-type “kamikaze” drones carrying toxic substances to attack Ukraine.
* A South Korean think tank suggests that North Korea prefers “in-kind and technical assistance” that enhances its own defense industry and supports its long-term strategic goals.
**International Support for Ukraine**
The international community remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has co-financed a 200 million euros initiative to help Ukrainian troops receive training at centers in western Ukraine.
