Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western nations imposed sweeping restrictions on the Russian broadcaster RT, including sanctions on its executives for alleged interference in democratic institutions. Despite these measures, RT and its sister outlet Sputnik have expanded their presence in regions outside the West, opening new bureaus and launching services in countries such as Algeria, Serbia, India, and Ethiopia. This growth coincides with a retreat by Western media organizations from certain global markets, often due to budget cuts and shifting priorities, leaving gaps that Russian outlets are quick to fill. Experts suggest Russia is exploiting these opportunities to increase its influence, raising questions about its broader strategic goals and the implications for global media dynamics.