Hegseth Halts Cyberattack Operations on Russia
American ConservativeMAR 3
Report: US Halts Offensive Cyber Operations Against Russia
Above: US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Image copyright: Al Drago/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly ordered the military's Cyber Command to cease offensive cyber and information operations against Russia, with the directive issued before Pres. Donald Trump's meeting with Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The scope of the pause, which is reportedly aimed at calming tensions between the US and Russia, is unknown, though anonymous officials said it could include exposing malware, blocking hackers, and disrupting anti-US propaganda sites.
Ransomware attacks on US hospitals, infrastructure, and cities have increased over the past year, many of which are alleged to have been conducted by Russian criminals and either approved or overlooked by Russian intelligence agencies.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Trump is not only making America less safe, but he's doing so in a manner completely alien to the country's history. Since its founding, Americans have always supported the underdog, even if only through moral support rather than direct military intervention. US cyberwarfare is an essential tool for keeping Moscow in check without fighting directly. If this directive persists, it will allow Russia to attack US infrastructure with impunity.
Establishment-critical narrative
After 30 years of the US provoking Russia, causing conflicts in Serbia to Ukraine and beyond, it's time to stop treating geopolitics with a Cold War mindset. The most important goal is to stop NATO expansion and find peace in Ukraine, which requires an end to all offensive attacks, including cyberattacks. This doesn't mean Trump is opening the door to Russian cybercriminals — it just means he won't be the one to attack first for no reason.