Pentagon Denies Reports of Halted Cyber Operations Against Russia
The Pentagon has refuted media reports claiming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a cessation of offensive cyber operations targeting Russia, Bloomberg reports.
A senior defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that no such order was issued.
This denial follows reports from The Record, the Washington Post, and the New York Times, citing unnamed officials, that Hegseth had instructed US Cyber Command to stand down from planning offensive digital actions against Russia.
The reported halt was said to have occurred before a publicized disagreement between President Trump and Ukrainian leader Zelensky. Some sources characterized it as an attempt to encourage Russia to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
While initially declining to comment on the reports, the Pentagon emphasized Hegseth’s top priority as the safety of US troops.
US Cyber Command comprises 135 “cyber mission force” teams, including Cyber Combat Mission Teams responsible for offensive operations.
Separately, President Trump ordered a temporary suspension of military aid to Ukraine, pending a determination that the country’s leaders demonstrate a commitment to peace. The pause affects all US military equipment not currently in Ukraine, including weapons in transit.
