"I consider countering Russian disinformation to be a top priority that requires more U.S. Government engagement with international media," Frantz said in a briefing Wednesday.
According to Frantz, countering propaganda is not done by producing counterpropaganda, but by ensuring that journalists have what he defines as a voice for the "free exchange of ideas and to serve as an arbiter of the truth."
Russia's relationship with the West has deteriorated amid a year-long ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The West has repeatedly accused Russia of undermining press freedom and contributing to the military conflict in the country.
Meanwhile, recent documents published online in early April by WikiLeaks showed that the US State Department reached out to Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) for assistance in convening a meeting of top media executives who could assist in countering Russian propaganda.
Earlier this week, President Vladimir Putin said that Russian media should be independent and warned against any attempts to use mass media to pursue personal goals.