Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to halt offensive cyber operations and information operations against Russia, though it is unclear how long this order will last. The decision was made in late February, with a focus on prioritizing the safety of the Warfighter. Meanwhile, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency remains dedicated to defending against cyber threats from Russia.
This order comes as President Donald Trump seeks to re-establish diplomatic channels with Russia and end the war in Ukraine. However, a recent Oval Office clash between Trump, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance led to a delay in signing an agreement for the U.S. to have ownership stakes in Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the decision to pause offensive cyber operations against Russia, suggesting it was an attempt by Trump to gain Putin’s favor.
The Biden administration has previously labeled Russia as an enduring global cyber threat, highlighting their targeting of various sectors including government agencies and critical infrastructure. Russia’s cyber operations have intensified, particularly targeting Ukraine and NATO countries, as well as engaging in efforts to influence elections. The U.S. intelligence assessment underscores the need to remain vigilant against Russian cyber threats, even amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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