# US To Halt Offensive Cyber Operations Against Russia

In a shocking move, the United States has suspended its offensive cyber operations against Russia, according to reports from reputable sources including TechCrunch, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

The reported order to halt U.S.-launched hacking operations against Russia was authorized by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a development that has significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The new guidance affects operations carried out by U.S. Cyber Command, a division of the Department of Defense focused on hacking and operations in cyberspace.

However, it's worth noting that this order does not apply to espionage operations conducted by the National Security Agency (NSA). The reported suspension of offensive cyber operations has sparked debate among experts and policymakers about the motivations behind this decision. According to reports, the instruction was handed down before Friday's Oval Office meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The New York Times reported that the order came as part of a broader effort to draw Russian President Vladimir Putin into talks about the country's ongoing war in Ukraine. This move has been seen as an attempt by the Trump administration to find alternative solutions to the conflict, rather than escalating tensions through cyber warfare.

However, experts are questioning the motivations behind this decision. The Guardian reported that the Trump administration has signaled it no longer views Russian hackers as a cybersecurity threat, and reportedly ordered U.S. cybersecurity agency CISA to no longer report on Russian threats. According to the newspaper, CISA employees were informed verbally that they were to pause any work on Russian cyber threats.

A recent memo from CISA outlined new priorities for the agency, including threats faced by China and protecting local systems. However, the memo did not mention Russia, sparking concerns about the agency's shift in focus. This development has raised questions about the effectiveness of U.S. cybersecurity efforts against Russian hackers.