US suspends cyber operations against Russia as diplomatic tensions ease

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to halt offensive cyber operations and information operations against Russia, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter.

The order was given to the head of U.S. Cyber Command, Air Force Gen. Tim Haugh, in late February. It is unclear how long the pause will last, Caliber.Az reports, citing American news outlets.

A senior U.S. defense official declined to comment on the decision, citing operational security concerns. However, the official emphasized that "there is no greater priority to Secretary Hegseth than the safety of the Warfighter in all operations, including the cyber domain." 

In a related statement, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, said its mission to defend against all cyber threats, including from Russia, remains unchanged. "There has been no change in our posture," the agency said.

The suspension of operations and planning for offensive cyber operations against Russia is described by a senior U.S. official as a "major blow," especially considering the time and research needed to plan such operations. The concern is that this pause may make the U.S. more vulnerable to potential cyberattacks from Russia, which has a skilled group of hackers capable of disrupting critical U.S. infrastructure and collecting sensitive intelligence.

This pause comes amid the Trump administration's efforts to seek a broader détente with Russia. In recent days, President Trump has been working to re-establish diplomatic channels, including restoring embassy staffing, as part of his efforts to end the war in Ukraine. U.S. officials initiated peace talks with Russian negotiators in Saudi Arabia last month.

For the record, the Kremlin has long seen cyberspace as a source of tactical advantage over the U.S., using it to infiltrate critical infrastructure and influence elections. In response, American military and intelligence hackers have increasingly targeted Russian cybercriminals and intelligence operatives.

By Khagan Isayev