The Pentagon suspends offensive cyber operations against Russia, a move that raises concerns about national security and future cyber capabilities.
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| The Pentagon's decision to suspend cyber operations against Russia raises questions about US cybersecurity strategies and future defense initiatives. Symbolic Image/ Illustration: US Defense Dept/ ChicHue |
Washington, USA — March 4, 2025:
The Pentagon has reportedly halted offensive cyber operations against Russia, according to multiple media outlets citing a senior US official. The decision, made in late February, comes as Washington reconsiders its relationship with Moscow, just days before a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, reports RT citing unnamed officials, and US media outlets.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is said to have issued the directive to US Cyber Command, signaling a pause in its cyber efforts against Russia. However, the suspension reportedly does not apply to signals intelligence gathering by the National Security Agency (NSA), which falls under the Department of Defense's purview.
The Record, a cybersecurity news outlet, was the first to report the halt on Friday. While the reasons for the suspension are unclear, sources have indicated it could last indefinitely. This has drawn criticism from those who view the decision as a setback for US national security. One official, speaking to CNN, called it a “major blow” to America’s ability to infiltrate Russian networks in the future, especially in support of Ukraine.
Russia has long seen the US as a significant cyber adversary, and the geopolitical tensions between the two nations have made it difficult to agree on ground rules for cyberspace. Despite Moscow’s repeated calls for cooperation, the US has been a key player in global cyber operations, with historic examples such as sabotaging Iranian uranium enrichment facilities during the Obama administration.
Though cyberattacks are often difficult to attribute, US intelligence agencies occasionally express strong confidence that Russian hacker groups are behind certain incidents. US media frequently report on cyber threats from foreign actors, sometimes without conclusive evidence. One infamous instance occurred in January 2019 when MSNBC host Rachel Maddow suggested that Russia could “kill the power in Fargo today” amid a cold wave in the US, referencing unverified claims of Russian cyber activity in Vermont’s power grid.
The Trump administration has signaled a shift towards more normalized relations with Russia, contrasting with the strained communications during Joe Biden’s presidency. Senior US officials have argued that a mature foreign policy requires candid dialogue with rival nations, a stance that seems reflected in the recent decision to halt offensive cyber operations against Russia.