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Note: The Pentagon has now disputed reports that the US has stopped offensive cyber operations against Russia. You can read more here:
The United States has reportedly stopped all offensive cyber operations against Russia.

Some shit you should know before you read: Since the war in Ukraine broke out, the United States ramped up its offensive cyber operations against Russia, targeting state-backed hackers, cybercriminal networks, and Russian military infrastructure. US Cyber Command has conducted operations to disrupt Russian cyber espionage, election interference, and ransomware attacks that have targeted American businesses, hospitals, and government agencies. Intelligence agencies have linked Russian cyber operations to groups like APT28 (Fancy Bear) and APT29 (Cozy Bear), which have been responsible for hacking the Democratic National Committee in 2016, infiltrating US government agencies, and launching disinformation campaigns to influence public opinion. Additionally, Russia has been accused of attempting to sabotage Western infrastructure, including targeting power grids, severing undersea communication cables, and supporting ransomware gangs that extort American companies while operating with tacit approval from the Kremlin. In response, the US routinely conducts both offensive and defense cyber operations to disrupt those who seek to harm US interests.

What’s going on now: According to multiple news outlets citing sources within the US government, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a halt to all offensive cyber operations against Russia. While the Pentagon has not publicly explained the decision, officials have indicated that it’s part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to improve relations with Russia and push for a end to the war in Ukraine.

For Ukraine, the pause in US cyber operations could have serious consequences, as the pentagon’s cyber arm have played a critical role in strengthening Ukraine’s digital defenses against Russian attacks. Since the start of the war, US Cyber Command has helped Ukraine fend off Russian hacking attempts targeting military systems, government networks, and essential infrastructure. With offensive operations now frozen, it remains unclear whether US assistance to Ukraine’s cyber defense efforts will continue at the same level.

This all comes as US lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle have voiced strong opposition to the decision, warning that it could embolden Russia and undermine national security. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called the move a “critical strategic mistake,” accusing Trump of “giving Putin a free pass as Russia continues to launch cyber operations and ransomware attacks against critical American infrastructure.”