US President Donald Trump is strengthening ties with Russia. Consequently, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the US Cyber Command to stop offensive cyber operations against Russia. According to the reports, one current and one former official confirmed this decision. The pause aligns with Trump’s effort to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Meanwhile, Pentagon officials clarified that the halt is temporary. It will last only while Washington and Moscow hold talks. Although stopping cyber operations during high-level negotiations is common, this move marks a significant shift in US foreign policy.
At the same time, Trump appears willing to distance the US from European allies. Additionally, he seeks common ground with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine. However, experts warn that this decision could give Russia an advantage in cyber warfare.
Experts Warn of Security Risks
As discussions continue, experts express concerns about national security. James A. Lewis, a former diplomat and cyber negotiator, warned about potential risks. Speaking to the Washington Post, he said, “Russia continues to be among the top cyber threats to the United States.”
Moreover, he acknowledged that pausing cyber operations could be a tactical step during negotiations. Nevertheless, he cautioned, “If we take our foot off the gas pedal and they take advantage of it, we could put national security at risk.”
Pentagon Stays Silent
Despite growing concerns, the Pentagon has not commented on the halt. However, a defence official assured that Secretary Hegseth prioritizes the safety of military personnel in all operations, including cyber.
Similarly, retired Lt. Gen. Charlie “Tuna” Moore, former deputy commander of US Cyber Command, called this move routine. He explained, “When we negotiate with an adversary, we stop operations, exercises, and even cancel speeches sometimes. It’s fairly common to pause anything that could derail talks.”
Nevertheless, a former senior military official confirmed that planning for cyber operations against Russia continues. He explained, “You don’t stop espionage because you want to know if they’re lying to you. Likewise, you don’t stop planning because if talks fail, you need options.”
Cyber Strategy at Risk
Meanwhile, experts argue that even a short pause contradicts the US strategy of continuous cyber engagement with adversaries. A former senior defence official emphasized the risks. “You need to find vulnerabilities, test firewalls, and access targets,” he told the Washington Post.
Additionally, the same official warned about the dangers of stopping operations for too long. “If the pause lasts days or weeks, it’s not serious. However, if it continues for months or permanently, that’s a problem,” he said.
Political Backlash
As expected, the decision sparked strong criticism. Democratic Representative Bennie G. Thompson condemned the move, stating it weakens national security. “To capitulate now, as we appear to bail on our allies in Ukraine, is an inexplicable dereliction of duty that puts American critical infrastructure at risk,” said Thompson, who serves on the House Homeland Security Committee.
On the other hand, Hegseth’s order came as the administration claimed it wanted to be tougher on cyber threats. However, critics argue that stopping operations against Russia sends the wrong message.
