US President Donald Trump is going to unimaginable extent to woo Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and this has become evident with his administration ordering Pentagon to halt all offensive cyber operations against Russia.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday gave the order to the US Cyber Command, raising questions about the US national security and infrastructure. Experts believe that this could leave Washington exposed to cyberattacks by Moscow.
CBS News has confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to temporarily halt cyber operations and planning against Russia. Rep. Mike Turner disputes the reporting, telling @margbrennan: "Considering what I know what Russia is currently doing against… pic.twitter.com/dtOAfECFtF
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) March 2, 2025
A source familiar with the Trump administration's shocking move told The Guardian that with funds to agencies slashed and cybersecurity personnel fired, American systems are left unprotected. "Our adversaries know this," the person said, "People are saying Russia is winning. Putin is on the inside now."
Some officials who know about the classified order told the outlet that the move is part of Trump administration's efforts to bring Putin to the negotiation table for a potential ceasefire deal in the Ukraine conflict.
This comes amid Trump's Oval Office showdown with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of the media, with the Ukrainian leader being asked to leave the White House and Trump calling off the signing ceremony of a potential mineral deal.
Last week, Liesyl Franz, the deputy assistant secretary for international cybersecurity at the State Department, did not mention Russia while singling out China and Iran as cyber threats in a UN cybersecurity working group.
ALSO READ
- Top Trump officials want Zelenskyy out, seek a leader who can deal with Russia
- Damage control? UK, France step in to restore peace after Zelenskyy’s showdown with Donald Trump
- Was Oval Office showdown 'staged'? How Trump apparently 'let the cat out of the bag' during Zelenskyy spat
- Trump's wink at reporter, poised index finger: Body language expert analyses Zelenskyy episode at Oval Office
- Zelenskyy was 'stunned' when told to leave. NSA Mike Waltz reveals Ukrainian reaction after Oval Office showdown
The US also voted against last week's UN resolution that said Russia is the aggressor in Ukraine.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier spoke on ABC, dismissing claims that the Trump administration is going soft on Putin. "You're not going to bring them to the table if you're calling them names, if you're being antagonistic," he said.
Pointing out that Trump's goal is peace, Rubio said that if this was a Democrat, everyone would vouch for Nobel Peace Prize. "This is absurd. We are trying to end a war," he said.
