Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to halt offensive cyber operations and information operations against Russia. The order was given to Air Force Gen. Tim Haugh in late February, but it is unclear how long it will last. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency stated that its mission remains to defend against all cyber threats to U.S. Critical Infrastructure, including from Russia, while representatives for U.S. Cyber Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
President Donald Trump has been working to re-establish diplomatic channels with Russia in recent days as his administration seeks to end the war in Ukraine. However, a meeting between Trump, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance hit a standstill, delaying the signing of an agreement related to rare-earth minerals in Ukraine. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the decision to pause offensive cyber operations against Russia, calling it a move to earn Putin’s favor.
The Biden administration last year labeled Russia as an enduring global cyber threat, with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence stating that Russia views cyber disruptions as a foreign policy lever. Russia has intensified its cyber operations, targeting Ukraine, NATO countries, and even influencing the 2024 presidential election. The Report also highlighted Russian cyber operations aimed at influencing the 2024 presidential election, resulting in sanctions by the Biden administration.
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