MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Earlier on Thursday, Bloomberg reported, citing its sources, that RT accounts had been blocked over non-compliance with so-called know-your-customer rules as well as "sanctions-related issues."
"While we are waiting for some information from the bank, ‘persons familiar with the matter’ tell mainstream media that out accounts are blocked because of sanctions that do not apply to RT. Wonderful," Simonyan told RIA Novosti.
Simonyan said on Monday that the international broadcaster's accounts have been blocked in the United Kingdom. RT UK said it had been informed by NatWest, a large state-owned retailer, that its banking arrangements with RT were null and void.
RT operates a number of cable and satellite television channels in a number of languages and is directed at a foreign audience. The channels provide 24-hour news coverage, as well as airing documentaries, talk shows and debates.