Pentagon Denies Halting Cyber Operations Against Russia Amid Conflicting Reports
In a swift rebuttal to recent media reports, the Pentagon has firmly denied any decision to pause offensive cyber operations against Russia. A senior defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has neither canceled nor delayed any cyber operations targeting malicious Russian entities.
The denial comes after cybersecurity publication The Record reported that Hegseth had ordered a stand-down for the US Cyber Command’s planning efforts against Russia, including all offensive digital actions. Subsequent reports from the Washington Post and the New York Times, citing additional unnamed sources, echoed the claim. However, the Pentagon refuted these assertions, emphasizing that there has been no halt or alteration in current cyber operations.
Senior Official’s Statement
According to the anonymous defense official, there is “no stand-down order whatsoever” in place, underscoring that Hegseth’s focus remains on safeguarding national security and protecting US troops. “Our cyber operations against Russian adversaries continue without interruption,” the official stated, stressing that the recent reports were inaccurate.
Political Reactions and Context
The news of a supposed cyber operations pause had drawn criticism from some Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Schumer argued that such a move would provide “a free pass” to Russia as it continues to launch cyber attacks and ransomware strikes targeting critical American infrastructure. The reports suggested that the alleged halt occurred in the wake of a high-profile Oval Office meeting between former President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy, with some sources claiming it was an effort to coax Russia into negotiations over the Ukraine conflict.
Cyber Command and Military Aid Developments
The US Cyber Command, which oversees 135 cyber mission force teams known as Cyber Combat Mission Teams, remains fully operational and committed to offensive cyber operations. In a separate development, it was reported that Trump has ordered a pause on all military assistance to Ukraine until Ukrainian leaders demonstrate a good-faith commitment to peace, with all US military equipment not currently deployed in Ukraine affected by the pause.
No Change in Strategic Priorities
In response to inquiries about the earlier reports, Pentagon officials declined to comment further on the matter but reiterated that Hegseth’s top priority is the safety of US forces and the continued engagement of critical cyber operations against malicious threats. The Pentagon’s stance serves to reassure allies and adversaries alike that US cyber capabilities remain active and uncompromised.