The Trump administration has suspended cybersecurity operations that were vital in protecting the U.S. from Russian cyberattacks, senior US official says. This pause is a major setback, as planning and executing these operations takes considerable time and effort.
The concern, the official said, is that halting offensive cyber operations against Russia could leave the U.S. more vulnerable to cyberattacks, especially given Russia’s skilled hackers capable of targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and stealing sensitive information.
The suspension comes from U.S. Cyber Command, the military’s unit responsible for both offensive and defensive cyber missions, CNN reports. This change in approach comes as the Trump administration looks to improve relations with Russia, even while Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine continues.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting at the White House on February 28, 2025, casting doubt on the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations.
A senior defense official stated, “Due to operational security concerns, we do not comment on cyber intelligence, plans, or operations. Secretary Hegseth’s top priority is the safety of our forces, including those involved in cyber activities.”
The Record was the first to report on the suspension of Cyber Command’s planning related to Russia.
Jason Kikta, a former Cyber Command official, explained, “It’s not unusual for the Pentagon to pause actions that might be destabilizing or provocative during negotiations. However, pausing planning for too long could make offensive operations ineffective or unfeasible.”
Kikta also warned, “If operations aren’t updated regularly, the U.S. could lose access to important targets or miss significant changes in the situation.”
U.S. and Russian cyber confrontations have been ongoing, with Russia attempting to influence U.S. elections and attack critical infrastructure. On the other hand, U.S. hackers have focused on Russian cybercriminals and intelligence operatives in recent years.
Since 2016, when Russia used online tactics to interfere with the U.S. election, it has continued similar efforts in every presidential election, according to U.S. officials.
Cyber Command, established over a decade ago to respond to cyber threats from Russia and other nations, has grown into a large force of specialists focused on both offensive and defensive missions. Based in Maryland alongside the National Security Agency, Cyber Command has also assisted allies, like Ukraine, in defending against cyberattacks.
In December 2021, before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Cyber Command helped prepare the country for potential cyberattacks. After the invasion, Cyber Command confirmed its involvement in supporting Ukraine’s cyber defense efforts.
Despite the suspension of Cyber Command’s plans, another key U.S. cybersecurity agency, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), said it would maintain its approach. CISA, responsible for protecting federal networks, stated on X that its mission to defend U.S. infrastructure from all cyber threats, including those from Russia, remains unchanged.
CISA added, “There has been no change in our posture,” responding to reports suggesting a shift in focus. “Any reports to the contrary are false and pose a threat to our national security.”
