Trump administration decides to halt cyber operations against Russia: 'To win Putin's favor...'
The U.S. Department of Defense has ordered a halt to offensive cyber operations against Russia. The decision comes after U.S. intelligence reports indicated that Russia has increased its cyber activities targeting Ukraine and NATO countries.
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U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the U.S. Cyber Command at the end of February to halt operations against Russia. The duration of the order was not disclosed. According to claims in the U.S. press, intelligence services have observed that Russia has recently increased its cyber activities against the West. Hegseth's decision was made despite warnings from intelligence services.
An official speaking to the press noted that for Hegseth, 'the safety of soldiers is the top priority in all activities, including cyber operations.' The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, refrained from providing detailed explanations about the decision due to operational security concerns.
According to an NBC News report, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency stated that their mission is to protect the U.S.'s critical infrastructure against all cyber threats, including those from Russia. The agency underscored that there has been no change in their stance on this matter.
The Record pointed out that this development occurred during President Donald Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The Trump administration has recently sought to re-establish diplomatic relations with Russia. U.S. bureaucrats have initiated peace talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia.
However, Trump's relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy became strained following their meeting in the Oval Office. Trump warned Zelenskyy over his criticisms of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting delayed the signing of an agreement under which Ukraine would transfer rare earth minerals to the U.S.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump's decision to halt cyber operations against Russia, stating, ''Trump is putting our national security at risk to win Putin's favor.''
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
CLAIMS THAT RUSSIA HAS INCREASED ITS ATTACKS
U.S. intelligence reports, which NBC and The Record claim were obtained from 'secret sources,' reported that Russia has prioritized cyber operations during the Ukraine war and poses a global cyber threat.
According to a Microsoft report from November, Russia's cyberattacks are specifically targeting Ukraine and NATO countries. These attacks pose a risk to global computer networks.
Microsoft's 2024 digital defense report also highlighted Russia's cyber operations aimed at influencing the 2024 U.S. presidential election. These activities were met with sanctions by the Biden administration.
The U.S. Cyber Command and the Russian Embassy have not yet responded to requests for comment from the press.