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In a significant policy shift, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to halt all offensive cyber and information operations against Russia, a U.S. official confirmed. The directive, issued in late February to Air Force Gen. Tim Haugh, the head of U.S. Cyber Command, remains in effect indefinitely.
The decision comes amid President Donald Trump’s renewed push to re-establish diplomatic channels with Russia and seek an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. “There is no greater priority to Secretary Hegseth than the safety of the warfighter in all operations, to include the cyber domain,” a senior U.S. defense official told NBC News.
While the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) emphasized its continued vigilance against cyber threats, stating, “There has been no change in our posture,” the decision to pause offensive operations has raised alarm among national security experts and lawmakers.
Trump’s Diplomatic Strategy and Zelenskyy Clash
Hegseth’s directive aligns with Trump’s recent diplomatic overtures toward Moscow, which include restoring embassy staffing and initiating peace talks in Saudi Arabia. However, Trump’s approach has sparked controversy, particularly after a tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vice President JD Vance.
During the meeting, Trump scolded Zelenskyy for his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “He’s got to say, ‘I want to make peace.’ He doesn’t have to stand there and say ‘Putin this, Putin that,’” Trump said before leaving the White House on Friday.
The fallout from the meeting delayed the signing of a deal that would have granted the U.S. a major ownership stake in Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals, essential for manufacturing advanced technology.
Backlash Over Halted Cyber Operations
The pause in U.S. cyber operations has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic leaders, who argue that it amounts to a concession to Putin.
“Donald Trump is so desperate to earn the affection of a thug like Vladimir Putin that he’s giving him a free pass as Russia continues launching cyberattacks against American infrastructure,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on Sunday. “It is a critical strategic mistake for Donald Trump to unilaterally disarm against Putin.”
Russia’s Ongoing Cyber Threat
Despite the administration’s diplomatic shift, the U.S. intelligence community has consistently warned about Russia’s cyber capabilities. The Biden administration previously labeled Russia an “enduring global cyber threat,” citing its cyber espionage, infrastructure attacks, and disinformation campaigns.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s 2024 threat assessment stated, “Moscow views cyber disruptions as a foreign policy lever to shape other countries’ decisions” and noted Russia’s ability to target critical infrastructure in the U.S. and allied nations.
Microsoft’s 2024 digital defense report also highlighted Russia’s intensified cyber efforts against Ukraine and NATO allies. “Russian threat actors have focused on accessing and stealing intelligence from Ukrainian warfighters and the international partners that supply them weapons,” the report warned.
The decision to halt U.S. offensive cyber operations against Russia marks a major shift in America’s cyber strategy. While the administration frames it as a step toward diplomacy, critics argue it leaves the U.S. vulnerable to ongoing Russian cyber threats. Whether Trump’s diplomatic gamble will pay off remains to be seen.
