Hegseth Orders Pentagon to Stop Offensive Cyberoperations Against Russia
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has halted offensive cyberoperations against Russia to promote negotiations over Ukraine, raising concerns about increased Russian cyberattacks and contrasting with previous U.S. military strategies.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to cease offensive cyberoperations against Russia, a decision linked to efforts to engage President Vladimir Putin in negotiations regarding Ukraine. This directive, part of a broader reassessment of U.S. military operations against Russia, was issued prior to a public confrontation between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The specifics of the order remain unclear, particularly regarding the distinction between offensive and defensive cyberoperations. Former officials noted that such pauses in military actions are common during sensitive diplomatic discussions. However, this strategy poses risks, as it relies on Putin reciprocating by reducing aggressive actions against the U.S. and its allies. U.S. officials have reported ongoing Russian attempts to infiltrate American networks, alongside a rise in ransomware attacks attributed to Russian actors. The halt in offensive operations may jeopardize U.S. support for European nations combating Russian cyber threats. Critics, including Senator Chuck Schumer, have labeled the decision a strategic error, suggesting it allows Russia to continue its cyberattacks unimpeded. The Trump administration's approach marks a significant shift from previous policies that emphasized pressure on Russia, including military support for Ukraine and countering Russian influence campaigns.
- Defense Secretary Hegseth has ordered a halt to offensive cyberoperations against Russia.
- The decision aims to facilitate negotiations between the U.S. and Russia regarding Ukraine.
- Critics argue this move could embolden Russia's cyberattacks against the U.S. and its allies.
- The specifics of the order and its implications for U.S. cyber strategy remain unclear.
- The shift in policy contrasts with previous administrations' approaches to Russian aggression.
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3 commentsI personally think the administration is trying to rationalize all this to their Republican supporters, and defense hawks, and to cover the fact that this is to appease Putin as Krebs says. On the other hand the Doge efforts are creating massive vulnerabilities in the .gov services.
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