Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commanded U.S. Cyber Command to stand down cyber and information operations planning against Russia, likely aiming to encourage diplomatic talks related to Ukraine. This directive appears to illustrate an attempt to appease Russia, as indicated by unnamed officials. While the order restricts Cyber Command's activities across various cyber realms, it does not affect the National Security Agency's efforts. The Kremlin has viewed the shift in U.S. policy positively, aligning it with their perspective of recent events in international relations.
The halt of information operations means U.S. cyber warriors are essentially curbed from gathering information that can be used to influence, disrupt or sabotage Russian decisionmaking.
The order appears to be intended as a mechanism to appease Russia and draw it to the negotiating table in talks with Ukraine.
The extent of the order is not entirely clear, but it did not apply to the NSA and its signals intelligence work tracking Russian activities.
The Kremlin characterized Donald Trump as a leader with 'common sense' and noted that the new U.S. administration is changing all foreign policy configurations.
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