Sputnik (news agency)

Sputnik is a Russian state-owned news agency, news website platform and radio broadcast service. It was established on November 10, 2014, by the Russian government-owned news agency Rossiya Segodnya. Sputnik replaced the RIA Novosti news agency as the primary international-facing media outlet.

Sputnik operates news websites in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian, targeting audiences outside of Russia. It also provides radio broadcasting in several languages.

Sputnik's stated mission is to provide an alternative perspective on world events, reflecting Russia's position on international affairs. It aims to cover stories that it believes are ignored by mainstream media.

Sputnik has been criticized for spreading disinformation, propaganda, and conspiracy theories. Several countries and organizations have accused it of interfering in their domestic affairs and attempting to influence public opinion. These accusations often stem from Sputnik's coverage of controversial events, its promotion of narratives favorable to the Russian government, and its alleged ties to Russian intelligence services. Independent fact-checkers and media watchdogs have repeatedly debunked claims made by Sputnik.