Hegseth Halts Offensive Cyber Operations Against Russia

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has paused offensive cyber operations against Russia conducted by US Cyber Command, The Associated Press reports.

A US official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the operations, confirmed the pause on Monday.

While Hegseth’s directive does not affect cyber operations carried out by other agencies such as the CIA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), this action comes as the Trump administration has also reduced resources at the FBI and other agencies in an effort to curb fraud in the federal government.

The Pentagon’s decision was first reported by The Record.

During his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this year, CIA Director John Ratcliffe emphasized that America’s adversaries view cyberespionage – the theft of sensitive information and disruption of American businesses and infrastructure – as a crucial weapon in the modern arsenal.

Cyber Command oversees and coordinates the Pentagon’s cybersecurity efforts and serves as America’s frontline defense in cyberspace. The command is also responsible for planning offensive cyber operations for potential use against adversaries.

The timing of Hegseth’s directive precedes the recent exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump has pledged to end the war that began three years ago and recently criticized Zelensky for suggesting the conflict’s end was “far away.”