YouTube Cuts Off Revenue for RT and Other Russian Channels, Restricts Access in Ukraine

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, YouTube announced on Saturday that it will cut off ad revenue for multiple Russian state channels, including state-funded media outlet RT.

“In light of extraordinary circumstances in Ukraine…we’re pausing a number of channels’ ability to monetize on YouTube, including several Russian channels affiliated with recent sanctions,” YouTube, which is operated by Google, said in a statement.

In addition, the site will reduce the frequency that the affected channels’ videos appear in recommendations and will restrict access to RT’s videos in Ukraine in response to a request from the country’s minister of culture Oleksandr Tkachenko, who urged the site to curb the spread of Russian state propaganda.