US Defence Secretary Pauses Cyber Offensive Against Russia

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a halt to all cyber operations targeting Russia, including offensive measures, according to multiple reports from US media on Sunday.

The directive forms part of a broader reassessment of US operations against Moscow, with the specific duration or scope of the pause remaining unclear. The Pentagon refrained from commenting when contacted by AFP, with a senior defence official stating, “Due to operational security concerns, we do not comment nor discuss cyber intelligence, plans, or operations.”

“The safety of the Warfighter in all operations, including those in the cyber domain, remains Secretary Hegseth’s highest priority,” the official added.

This reported shift in strategy comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Russia, particularly over the war in Ukraine. It follows a contentious meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Trump openly criticised Zelensky. Trump’s stance on the conflict has been marked by his push for negotiations to end the war and his self-designated role as a mediator between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky, sidelining Kyiv and European allies in the process.

In the wake of these developments, Western nations have accused Russia of orchestrating efforts to destabilise support for Ukraine as it continues to resist Russia’s invasion. Meanwhile, President Trump has repeatedly stated that the US should reduce its focus on Putin, asserting on his Truth Social platform that, “We should spend less time worrying about Putin.”

US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, while speaking to CNN on Sunday about the prospect of re-engaging with Russia, denied the reports regarding a change in cyber policy. “That has not been part of our discussions,” Waltz said, emphasising that various strategies, including both incentives and pressures, would be employed to bring the war to an end.

Additional Context:

Cyber operations between the US and Russia have been a significant aspect of the geopolitical tensions surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Both countries have regularly accused each other of cyber-attacks aimed at sabotaging infrastructure and influencing public opinion. The temporary pause in offensive cyber actions might signal a shift in approach as diplomatic efforts intensify, particularly under the Trump administration’s direction.