When was Sputnik news agency launched by the Russian government?
Sputnik emerged from Rossiya Segodnya on the 10th of November 2014. This launch marked a significant shift in how Russia projected its voice to the world.
Questions about Sputnik (news agency)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who founded Sputnik and what is their role at the agency?
Margarita Simonyan became editor-in-chief shortly after the reorganization that created Sputnik. She selected the name for its positive connotations and global recognition.
What languages does Sputnik broadcast in and where are its editorial offices located?
Sputnik operates in thirty-one languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, and Serbian. The agency maintains regional editorial offices in Washington D.C., Cairo, Beijing, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Montevideo, and Rio de Janeiro.
Why did the European Union ban Sputnik operations in February 2022?
The European Union banned Sputnik following the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Technology companies removed Sputnik from their platforms while many regional versions closed operations.
How did Sputnik report on COVID-19 according to its own outlets?
A report by Sputnik's Belarusian service claimed the virus was an Anglo-Saxon plot to counter China. An associated outlet in South Ossetia said COVID-19 was created as a weapon in the West for information warfare.