Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has issued a significant order for the U.S. military to stop conducting cyberattacks against Russia. This decision comes amidst escalating tensions between the two nations and aims to ease the strained relationship between the United States and the Russian Federation. The directive, which was given before a heated exchange between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, is seen as a move towards engaging in dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin to help end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Cyberattacks have been a common tactic employed by both Russia and the U.S. and its allies since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. Russian cyber operatives have targeted countries supporting Ukraine, particularly in Europe, while American and other partner nations have engaged in cyber activities against Russian networks for various purposes, including espionage.
It is important to note that the order from Hegseth does not apply to the NSA, which will continue its cyber operations in the field for the time being. This decision marks a significant shift in the U.S. military’s approach towards cyber warfare and reflects the administration’s efforts to explore diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.