Fri Feb 28 22:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Pentagon Halts Cyber Operations Against Russia
**Washington, D.C.** – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a halt to all US Cyber Command offensive planning against Russia, according to sources familiar with the matter. The directive, issued to Cyber Command chief General Timothy Haugh, affects offensive digital actions but excludes the National Security Agency’s intelligence gathering efforts.
The order’s duration is unclear, but sources indicate it’s expected to remain in effect for the foreseeable future. The move comes amidst the White House’s reported efforts to improve relations with Moscow, following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The implications of the order are significant. It potentially impacts hundreds, if not thousands, of Cyber Command personnel involved in operations targeting Russia, including those focused on countering Russian cybercrime and supporting Ukraine’s digital defenses. Furthermore, the stand-down could leave US and international private sector entities more vulnerable to Russian cyberattacks.
Cyber Command is reportedly compiling a risk assessment for Secretary Hegseth outlining the halted missions and potential threats. The Pentagon has yet to publicly comment on the order. This development raises concerns among cybersecurity experts, particularly given Russia’s history of state-sponsored cyberattacks. The order’s timing also coincides with Cyber Command’s ongoing efforts to combat Mexican drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations.
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