In a surprising move, multiple U.S. officials have informed CBS News that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a directive to U.S. Cyber Command to temporarily halt planning against Russia, which includes any offensive digital actions. The specific duration of this pause remains unclear, and the reasons behind this decision have not been disclosed at this time.
This significant shift in strategy comes as President Donald Trump intensively works to negotiate an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Notably, it follows a heated exchange just two days prior between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an Oval Office meeting, emphasizing the complexities of international relations at this juncture.
The directive was initially reported by The Record, a well-respected cybersecurity news publication. When approached for comments, a senior U.S. defense official stated, “Due to operational security concerns, we do not comment nor discuss cyber intelligence, plans, or operations.” The official also emphasized that ensuring the safety of the Warfighter in all operations, including those in the cyber domain, remains the top priority for Secretary Hegseth.
During an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan, Republican Representative Mike Turner of Ohio expressed his lack of awareness regarding the pause. He stated, “I don't believe — there are too many, I'm certain, considerations there for that to be an accurate statement so blanket.” Turner, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and is a former chair of the House Intelligence Committee, further remarked, “Considering what I know, what Russia is currently doing against the United States, that would I’m certain not be an accurate statement of the current status of the United States operations.”
On CNN’s State of the Union, national security adviser Mike Waltz also claimed he was unaware of the directive. When asked about a potential pause in offensive cyber operations against Russia, Waltz stated, “That has not been part of our discussions.” He added that various strategies, including both incentives and deterrents, would be employed to facilitate an end to the conflict.
The pause in offensive cyber operations against Russia raises questions about U.S. military strategy and its implications for national security. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor both governmental and military responses to understand the broader impact on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
