U.S. House of Representatives passes bill targeting Russia’s influence

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a legal act against Russia’s covert influence in European countries. Alongside the document, the House of Representatives also approved a budget for the implementation of counter-measures against Russia’s influence.

The document provides for various measures aimed to reduce Moscow’s influence on the political processes in the USA and prevent Russian intelligence services’ activity in the country. The document also envisages setting up a special committee to counter Russia’s influence in other countries.

The U.S. House of Representatives has focused on the following forms of Russian influence: establishment and funding of various organizations, media manipulation, disinformation and forgeries, organization of provocations, violation of human rights, corruption, assassination of political opponents and terrorist attacks.

Safeguarding Ukraine and Georgia’s integrity

One chapter in the document fully covers the issue of safeguarding the integrity of Georgia and Ukraine. The U.S. Administration is prohibited from supporting countries that recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (breakaway regions of Georgia), as well as to support Russia’s occupation of those regions.

The U.S. Administration shouldn’t support Russia’s annexation of Crimea, as well as should prevent the outflow of U.S. investments to Crimea.

USD 100 million to support civil society

Under the document, the USA is expected to allocate USD 100 million to European countries, including post-soviet states, for the development of civil society, democratic institutions and freedom of mass media. The document also focuses on democracy support programs in Russia, including the ensuring of free internet.

The document also touches upon the issue of the allocation of funds to Eastern Partnership member states so as to facilitate their free trade with the EU. The USA seeks to reduce Russia’s economic and political pressure on Europe.

The U.S. Senate is expected to approve the document in the near future, after which the document needs to be signed by the U.S. President, Donald Trump.

The article is based on Deutsche Welle material