Summary: U.S. Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) to halt all planning against Russia, including offensive cyber operations (OCO). The directive was given last week to the commander of USCYBERCOM, Gen. Timothy Haugh. However, it does not apply to the current intelligence gathering operations by the National Security Agency (NSA), which Gen. Haugh also heads.

The duration of the order remains uncertain, with early reports suggesting it will remain in place indefinitely. Also unclear is the full extent of the stand-down, which could affect an estimated hundreds to thousands of personnel within USCYBERCOM.

Analysis: At first glance, this move represents the latest in a series of dramatic shifts in U.S. foreign policy. On the other hand, it aligns with the incoming administration’s efforts to normalize relations with Moscow and to deprioritize Russia as a cyber threat.

While the scope and timeframe of the order remain unknown, USCYBERCOM officials are reportedly drafting a risk assessment document addressing the impact of this order. This risk assessment is expected to address the impact of suspended missions and potential threats from Russia. It will also address the impact to personnel focused on counter Russian operations, collectively comprising approximately 5,800 individuals.

Critics argue that halting counter Russia cyber operations will embolden state-sponsored hackers and cybercriminals, increasing global cybersecurity threats. This development raises significant implications for Ukraine’s national security. In recent years, USCYBERCOM has deployed teams to Kyiv to strengthen its digital defenses and monitor Russian cyber threats. SECDEF Hegseth’s order could disrupt these missions and expose both Ukraine and U.S. private sector entities to increased cyber risks.

News of Hegseth’s directive follows a tense White House meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The discussion, meant to finalize an agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, ended abruptly after a heated exchange between the two leaders. It also coincides with a State Department decision to terminate a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) initiative to help restore Ukraine’s energy grid following Russian attacks.

These latest developments underline critics’ fears that Putin and Moscow will be the primary beneficiaries of any negotiated end to the war in Ukraine.